hallmark trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hallmark trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distinguishing characteristic or feature that is typical of a person, group, or thing. Example: "Her kindness is a hallmark trait that endears her to everyone she meets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Another hallmark trait, his blithe apathy toward the details of governance, also damaged him in California.

The New York Times - Books

The hallmark trait of being secure with yourself is loving who you are, Bea says.

Huffington Post

The other hallmark trait of an overachiever is feelings of self-doubt about one's own competence or ability, Arkin says.

Huffington Post

The hallmark trait of addiction is compulsion and craving: believing that the drug is essential to making your life work, even when it is clearly doing the opposite.

Vice

The ability to see the good in others is a hallmark trait of Type B folks, which makes it likely that they'll connect with all types of people.

Huffington Post

A hallmark trait of cellular senescence is the acquisition of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

These are hallmark traits of what some experts call psychopathy, a potent blend of antisocial instincts and grandiosity.

The New York Times

One of his hallmark traits, according to the 1999 book "Goldman Sachs The Culturee of Success," by Lisa Endlich, was his willingness to tolerate losses if the theory behind the trades was well thought out.

The New York Times

'Network operational signatures' which represent gene regulatory logics/strengths enable to quantify state transitions and measures of hallmark traits.

Seminars in Cancer Biology

Thus, sets of genomic alterations which are associated with network operational signatures could be linked to the state/measure of hallmark traits.

Seminars in Cancer Biology

The network operational signature transforms genotypic data (i.e., genomic alterations) to regulatory phenotypic profiles (i.e., regulatory logics/strengths), to cellular phenotypic profiles (i.e., hallmark traits) which lead to clinical phenotypic profiles (i.e., a collection of hallmark traits).

Seminars in Cancer Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hallmark trait" to describe inherent qualities rather than temporary or circumstantial aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "hallmark trait" to describe fleeting or superficial characteristics. Reserve it for traits that are deeply ingrained and consistently observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hallmark trait" functions as a noun phrase, where "hallmark" acts as an adjective modifying "trait". It's used to identify a characteristic that is both prominent and distinctive. Ludwig's examples show its application in diverse fields from politics to science.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hallmark trait" is used to describe a defining characteristic or feature, particularly one that is distinctive and recognizable. As Ludwig AI explains, it's considered grammatically correct and is found in both news and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "defining characteristic" or "key attribute" exist, "hallmark trait" emphasizes a quality that is both prominent and consistently associated with the subject. Remember to reserve its usage for inherent qualities rather than fleeting ones. It is mostly found in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristic

Replaces "hallmark" with "defining" to emphasize the role of the trait in determining identity.

signature characteristic

Emphasizes the trait as uniquely identifiable.

key attribute

Substitutes both words, focusing on the importance of the attribute.

distinguishing feature

Focuses on the trait's ability to differentiate something.

essential feature

Highlights the necessity of the feature for something to be what it is.

distinctive quality

Focuses on what sets something apart, using "distinctive" to replace "hallmark".

characteristic element

Emphasizes that the trait is a typical element.

typical attribute

Highlights that the trait is commonly observed or expected.

primary indicator

Shifts the focus to the trait as a sign or signal.

identifying marker

Highlights the trait as a tool for identification.

FAQs

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

You can use "hallmark trait" to describe a defining characteristic of a person, thing, or concept. For example: "Patience is a hallmark trait of successful teachers."

What are some alternatives to "hallmark trait"?

Alternatives include "defining characteristic", "key attribute", or "essential feature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "hallmark trait" and a "typical trait"?

Yes, a "hallmark trait" is a defining characteristic, while a "typical trait" is simply a common one. A "hallmark trait" is more central to the identity of something.

Can "hallmark trait" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "hallmark trait" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it may be more common in analytical or descriptive writing.