has a lot of character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a lot of character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, place, or thing that has a distinctive or unique quality that makes it interesting or appealing. Example: "The old bookstore has a lot of character, with its creaky wooden floors and shelves filled with dusty, forgotten titles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Our business has a lot of character.

The New York Times

-- has a lot of character.

The New York Times

"It has a lot of character.

The New York Times

I know our team has a lot of character".

The New York Times - Sports

"That woman has a lot of character and integrity.

The New York Times

He certainly has a lot of character, but what exactly makes the right stuff?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The film has a lot of character-building moments, which the actors handle with some aplomb, and a bit of a love story, which they don't, largely because Hudson seems miscast.

The Guardian - Film

"It's long; it has a lot of characters; it takes a big theme.

The Guardian - Books

Working on her first novel was entirely different, however, and she uses words like "massive" and "expansive" to describe the project, saying it was a new experience to get her mind "across a story that has a lot of characters with a lot of personal detail for each of them as well as a main narrative push".

The Guardian - Books

"Iron Man 3" has a lot of characters, but it feels smoother because everyone is related somehow.

Huffington Post

"They have a lot of character.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a place or object, use "has a lot of character" to convey a sense of history, uniqueness, and charm that goes beyond mere functionality or aesthetics.

Common error

While "has a lot of character" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language that specifies the unique qualities you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a lot of character" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to attribute distinctive and appealing qualities to a person, place, or thing. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates uniqueness and individuality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a lot of character" is a commonly used and generally acceptable way to describe something possessing unique and interesting qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While versatile, it is more suited for neutral to informal contexts, with its primary function being to convey appreciation for individuality and charm. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, illustrating its widespread usage in news and media. When opting for alternative expressions, consider options like "possesses considerable personality" or "exhibits great individuality" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses considerable personality

Replaces 'character' with 'personality' and uses 'possesses' for a more formal tone.

exhibits great individuality

Focuses on the unique and distinct nature, using 'individuality' instead of 'character'.

is full of quirks

Highlights the unusual and interesting aspects, using 'quirks' to represent character.

demonstrates strong traits

Emphasizes the noticeable and prominent features, using 'traits' to describe character.

has distinctive qualities

Uses a more general term 'qualities' to represent unique attributes.

boasts a unique identity

Focuses on the distinctiveness and individuality, employing 'identity' in place of 'character'.

carries a strong essence

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature and fundamental qualities, using 'essence' to convey character.

shows a memorable nature

Highlights the unforgettable and remarkable aspects, using 'nature' to signify character.

is rich in peculiarities

Focuses on the interesting and unusual details, substituting 'peculiarities' for character.

displays noteworthy attributes

Highlights the remarkable and significant features, employing 'attributes' to represent character.

FAQs

How can I use "has a lot of character" in a sentence?

You can use "has a lot of character" to describe something with unique and interesting qualities. For example, "The old house "has a lot of character" because of its original features and history."

What are some alternatives to "has a lot of character"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "possesses considerable personality", "exhibits great individuality", or "is full of quirks".

Is "has a lot of character" formal or informal?

"Has a lot of character" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly informal expression. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise language to describe the specific qualities you're referring to.

What does it mean when something "has a lot of character"?

It means that something has unique, interesting, and distinctive qualities that make it appealing or memorable. It often implies a sense of history, charm, or individuality.