general trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is common or typical among a group or category. Example: "One general trait of successful leaders is their ability to communicate effectively with their teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Martin Seligman Self-control Some theorists believe self-control is a general trait.

Independent

The idea of constructing temple-pyramids was probably also a general trait.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In general, trait correlations were weak yet stronger in H. rubicundus than in H. pluvialis.

Algal Research

If the state of a character exists outside the ingroup, it is a general trait and will not help resolve relationships within the ingroup.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This is an instance of a general trait of consequentialism often highlighted by its critics, for example in the debate about the moral justification of legal punishment.

SEP

These suggest that large grain weigh is not a general trait in hybrid rice cultivars, but developing rice cultivars with high grain weight may be a feasible approach to achieve high grain yield.

Rice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We examined general traits across different generations determine whether any of these varied with neglect.

Plosone

The reports focused on more general traits, however.

The New York Times

Scientists identified some general traits associated with successful urban carnivores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deutschlander, in other words, begins by looking for the same general traits that every corporate recruiter looks for.

The New Yorker

Some psychologists have observed that male self-confidence tends to be based on efficacy, how they perform tasks, while female self-confidence tends to be based on self-worth, on more general traits like integrity and compassion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general trait", ensure that the context clearly specifies the group or category to which the trait applies. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "general trait" to describe characteristics that are not truly widespread or common. Always verify that the trait applies to a significant portion of the group being discussed to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general trait" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe a characteristic or quality that is common within a group or category. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For example, it can specify a feature widely observed within species or populations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general trait" is a versatile term used to describe characteristics shared by a group. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it serves to classify and generalize. While alternatives like "common characteristic" or "typical attribute" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance required. Remember to use "general trait" when accurately representing qualities truly common within a group, and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general characteristic

Reverses the order of words but retains the meaning.

common characteristic

Focuses on the shared nature of the characteristic.

broad trait

Emphasizes the scope of the trait.

typical attribute

Emphasizes the representativeness of the attribute.

shared feature

Highlights the aspect of being possessed by multiple entities.

prevalent quality

Indicates widespread existence of the quality.

standard characteristic

Indicates something used as a typical or standard example.

universal property

Suggests that the property is found everywhere.

widespread attribute

Implies a broad distribution of the attribute.

common denominator

Highlights a feature that is true for all members of a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "general trait" to describe a common characteristic within a group, such as, "One "common trait" of successful entrepreneurs is resilience".

What are some alternatives to "general trait"?

Alternatives include "common characteristic", "typical attribute", or "shared feature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a trait general" instead of "general trait"?

While grammatically understandable, "general trait" is the more idiomatic and commonly used phrasing. Using "a trait general" might sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "general trait" and "specific trait"?

"General trait" refers to a characteristic common to many members of a group, while "specific trait" denotes a characteristic unique to a particular individual or a small subset.