fundamental traits

USAGE SUMMARY

'fundamental traits' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the term when you're talking about the qualities that make up a person's character or a thing's essential nature. For example, "The teacher's fundamental traits of reliability and kindness made her a beloved figure in the school community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Nor is it even clear that outside events can alter a person's fundamental traits by much.

The New York Times - Health

From their survey, the three consultants, Gary L. Neilson, Karla L. Martin and Elizabeth Powers, identified "17 fundamental traits of organizational effectiveness".

The New York Times

In the six years that he led the country, some of the fundamental traits that had defined India for decades shifted.

The New York Times

The fundamental traits of fugitive species excellent dispersal, high reproductive output, and a brief lifetime compensate for their reduced competitive prowess (see r-selected species).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fundamental traits of fugitive species excellent dispersal, high reproductive output, and a brief lifetime compensate for their reduced competitive prowess.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an election year for Britain, this kind of grand experiment in community government and participation is given an edge by perhaps the most fundamental traits of every gaming world: fairness, equality and transparency.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This fundamental trait is clearly apparent in Mr. Ito's work and is quite gratifying.

The New York Times

I'm sure this plan will go through more changes as we balance the need for an increase in lead generation with the desire to maintain a fundamental trait of our culture, which is talent development.

The New York Times

Besides quality, the fundamental trait shared by the videos in my show is the quantity, as in the amount of spectators they have reached.

Vice

Hence we can also say that it is a fundamental trait of humans to seek, to the degree most possible, their own immortality while knowing full well that they too shall surely die.

Huffington Post

Alice reminds us of one fundamental trait of human nature, "Everyone wants to make a connection so as to build or expand their brand to its highest potential".. American business lady with Croatian roots, Danica Kombol runs award-winning Everywhere Agency which specializes in influencer marketing and community management.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the essence of something, use "fundamental traits" to highlight qualities that are indispensable and foundational.

Common error

While "fundamental traits" is appropriate for formal or scientific writing, consider simpler terms like "basic qualities" or "key features" in more casual settings to avoid sounding overly academic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental traits" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "fundamental" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "traits". As shown in Ludwig, it describes qualities that are essential or foundational to a person, object, or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental traits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to denote essential characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and scientific contexts, emphasizing core qualities. Usage spans across various domains like science, news, and business, highlighting its versatility. While alternatives like "essential attributes" or "core characteristics" exist, "fundamental traits" offers a specific emphasis on foundational aspects. Remember to consider your audience and choose a register appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential attributes

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the characteristics.

core characteristics

Focuses on the central and defining aspects.

basic features

Highlights the foundational and elementary aspects.

key properties

Stresses the significant and notable qualities.

inherent qualities

Indicates qualities that are naturally existing and inseparable part of someone or something.

intrinsic features

Highlights features that belong naturally.

foundational elements

Highlights elements serving as a base.

primary aspects

Focuses on aspects of greatest importance.

defining characteristics

Emphasizes features that distinguish from others.

underlying attributes

Highlights hidden but crucial attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental traits" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental traits" to describe the core qualities or characteristics of something. For instance, "Honesty and integrity are "fundamental traits" of a good leader."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental traits"?

Alternatives include "essential attributes", "core characteristics", or "key properties", depending on the specific context.

Is "fundamental traits" formal or informal?

"Fundamental traits" is generally considered a more formal term. In informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "basic qualities" or "key features".

What distinguishes "fundamental traits" from "basic traits"?

"Fundamental traits" suggests qualities that are essential and foundational, whereas "basic traits" may simply refer to elementary or common qualities. The former carries more weight and significance.