foremost trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foremost trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the most important or prominent characteristic of a person, object, or concept. Example: "Her foremost trait is her unwavering determination to succeed, which inspires everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is my foremost trait".

The New Yorker

The foremost trait that distinguishes popbean from all other types of bean is the ability to expand the cotyledons after grains explode in response to heating, which is referred to as popping expansion, similar to popcorn, although the popping mechanism is different.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Honor and integrity, foremost among traits she admired, were exemplified in her by the 1937 "All Around Camper" Award bestowed by Camp Roosevelt, Monticello, NY, where she had met her husband Norman when she was 10 and he 11, and again when they were both camp counselors.

The New York Times

The foremost and most debilitating trait of DS is mental retardation, which ranges from mild to severe and is followed by a loss of cognitive abilities in adulthood and the development of early onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) [2], [3], [4].

Plosone

Intellectual disability is the foremost and most debilitating trait, which caused loss of cognitive abilities and the development of early onset Alzheimer's disease (AD).

BioMed Research International

Bluffing, deceit, trust, creativity – the traits first and foremost in a list of things AI cannot do – is still not something allowed in competitive video games.

The Guardian - Tech

The communication that the work of art establishes across time and space operates, first and foremost, within the oeuvre itself, with themes and stylistic traits echoing each other throughout it (Camus 1942b, 102 103; Merleau-Ponty 1964b, 67).

SEP

Foremost is whether feeding on invertebrates is an ancestral or derived trait.

Nature

Ms. McPhee admitted, "Story is first and foremost in my work". And that impulse, it seems, is a family trait.

HuffPost

Of the traits that differentiate the wild from the cultivated form, the foremost is brittle versus non-brittle rachis.

Annals of Botany

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) is the foremost strategy used for finding genes that control human diseases and agriculturally important traits, but it often reports false positives.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the most significant characteristic, use "foremost trait" to clearly convey importance.

Common error

Avoid using "foremost trait" in casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "main characteristic" or "biggest feature" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foremost trait" functions as a noun phrase where "foremost" modifies the noun "trait". It serves to emphasize the primary or most important quality of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foremost trait" is a grammatically correct way to describe the most important characteristic of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles and scientific papers, where emphasis on a primary quality is needed. While synonyms like "primary attribute" or "key characteristic" exist, "foremost trait" adds a layer of emphasis. Though not frequently used, its specific function makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary attribute

Replaces "trait" with "attribute", a slightly more formal synonym.

principal characteristic

Offers a more formal alternative using "principal".

key characteristic

Substitutes "foremost" with "key", offering a more common alternative.

leading attribute

Uses "leading" in place of "foremost" while also employing the word "attribute" instead of trait.

main feature

Uses "feature" instead of "trait", focusing on a prominent aspect.

dominant feature

Conveys prominence with the word "dominant".

most important quality

Replaces both "foremost" and "trait" with more descriptive terms.

defining characteristic

Highlights the role of the trait in defining something.

chief quality

Presents another succinct synonym using "chief".

essential attribute

Emphasizes the necessity of the trait.

FAQs

How can I use "foremost trait" in a sentence?

You can use "foremost trait" to highlight the most important characteristic of something. For example, "Her "foremost trait" is her unwavering determination."

What's a good synonym for "foremost trait"?

Alternatives include "primary attribute", "key characteristic", or "main feature".

Is "foremost trait" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "foremost trait" is best suited for formal writing or when emphasizing the importance of a specific characteristic. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "foremost trait" and "important trait"?

"Foremost trait" implies that it is the single most important characteristic, while "important trait" simply suggests that it is of significant value among others.