identifying characteristics of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying characteristics of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the specific traits or features that define or distinguish a particular subject or category. Example: "In our research, we focused on identifying characteristics of effective leadership styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The following synopsis, based on their work, provides principal identifying characteristics of all major extant groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Gibson said the identifying characteristics of the data that had enabled him to filter out the packets would be far more difficult to detect in the newer versions of Microsoft's operating systems.

The New York Times

He did say he had changed the names and identifying characteristics of his fellow rehab patients, but, until recently, always maintained the veracity of his account... Based on the information given us by the author, [editor] Sean McDonald and [publisher] Nan Talese believed in good faith they were buying a memoir, just as I believed I was selling them one").

The Guardian - Books

The introduction into forensics of DNA analysis has enabled investigators to detect identifying characteristics of body fluids and cells with unprecedented precision, making them better able to implicate or eliminate potential suspects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in a result they perhaps should have seen coming, the pair were only successful in identifying characteristics of the volunteers at a rate of one in five, an outcome "entirely consistent with the operation of chance alone," according to Professor Chris French, of the university's Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit and organiser of the study.

Independent

In 1970 a human source divulged to the CIA that China had learned how to make centrifuges, but the official estimate on centrifuge use concluded, "Analysis of all available data has produced no evidence of a centrifuge plant because there are no specific identifying characteristics of a centrifuge plant".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In fact, a lack of spin is about the only identifying characteristic of the pitch.

The New Yorker

"Gayness ultimately became an identifying characteristic of the organization and, to some degree, of the park itself".

The New York Times - Books

Alas, another identifying characteristic of Booq is a rather high price.

TechCrunch

It was such a special identifying characteristic of Mr. Brown, that his right to publicity was violated.

Huffington Post

His account is often similar to that of [D], though there is less attention paid to Margaret of Scotland, an identifying characteristic of [D].

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "identifying characteristics of", ensure you clearly define the subject you are describing and provide specific examples to illustrate the characteristics. For instance, instead of saying "identifying characteristics of a good leader", specify "identifying characteristics of a good leader, such as empathy, vision, and communication skills".

Common error

Avoid using "identifying characteristics of" without providing concrete details. For example, don't just state "identifying characteristics of the product", elaborate by specifying "identifying characteristics of the product, including its durability, portability, and ease of use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying characteristics of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it introduces the specific attributes or features that define a subject. Ludwig AI's assessment indicates it is grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identifying characteristics of" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for defining subjects by their key attributes. Ludwig indicates it is most common in scientific and news-related contexts. While not the most frequent phrase, its formal tone and analytical purpose make it valuable for clear and precise communication. Related phrases such as "identifying traits of" and "distinguishing characteristics of" offer similar but nuanced options. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread applicability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identifying traits of

Focuses on inherent qualities rather than general attributes.

identifying features of

Uses the term "features", which is largely interchangeable with "characteristics".

distinguishing characteristics of

Highlights the unique aspects that set something apart.

delineating characteristics of

Emphasizes a clear and precise description of the characteristics.

detecting characteristics of

Focuses on the act of discovering or noticing the characteristics.

evaluating characteristics of

Involves assessing or judging the characteristics based on certain criteria.

exploring characteristics of

Suggests a more in-depth investigation of the characteristics.

ascertaining attributes of

Replaces "characteristics" with "attributes" and "identifying" with "ascertaining" for a more formal tone.

determining properties of

Uses "properties" instead of "characteristics", implying inherent qualities.

recognizing elements of

Focuses on the individual parts or components that make up the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "identifying characteristics of" in a sentence?

You can use "identifying characteristics of" to introduce a list of defining features. For example, "The study focused on identifying characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, such as resilience and innovation."

What are some alternatives to "identifying characteristics of"?

Alternatives include "identifying traits of", "identifying features of", or "distinguishing characteristics of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "identifying characteristics of" or "identify characteristics of"?

"Identifying characteristics of" is a noun phrase, while "identify characteristics of" is a verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "Identifying characteristics of the disease is crucial" versus "Researchers aim to identify characteristics of the disease."

What is the difference between "identifying characteristics of" and "describing characteristics of"?

"Identifying characteristics of" implies discovering or determining key features, while "describing characteristics of" focuses on providing details about already known features. Identifying is about finding the features, describing is about explaining them.