identifying feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identifying feature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a characteristic or trait that helps to recognize or distinguish something or someone. Example: "The identifying feature of this species is its unique coloration, which sets it apart from similar species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Now aged 16, the girls were all hastily sketched out by a single identifying feature.

The Guardian - Books

An identifying feature of Biedermeier furniture is its extremely restrained geometric appearance.

Britannica

But in New York City, buildings may be jammed with signs yet lack that identifying feature.

The New York Times

With her back to the TV cameras, her frizzy hair being her only identifying feature, she fielded questions from journalists.

The New York Times

"We have yet to find any linkage between the colour of door or any other identifying feature of any of the properties and intimidation".

The Guardian - Business

It became a hallmark of the service — an encouragement to craft short, sweet messages and contribute to the free flow of conversation that became Twitter's main identifying feature.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Names and identifying features have been changed to protect confidentiality.

The Guardian - Books

Names and some identifying features have been changed.

The Guardian

(The names and identifying features of victims were redacted).

The New York Times

Strong support for the free market and private property rights are identifying features.

The Guardian

The ship's name and other identifying features are not shown in the movie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "identifying feature" when you want to emphasize that a particular trait is crucial for recognition or differentiation, especially in technical or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "identifying feature" in overly simplistic descriptions. For everyday objects or concepts, a simpler term like "characteristic" or "trait" often suffices and sounds more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identifying feature" functions as a noun phrase, where "identifying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "feature". It is used to specify a particular attribute that helps in recognizing or distinguishing something. Ludwig AI examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "identifying feature" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that pinpoints a key attribute for recognition. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to describe, categorize, and differentiate. While versatile, it is best reserved for contexts where precise identification is necessary and more general terms are unsuitable. Top authoritative sources that employ this phrase are The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctive characteristic

Replaces "feature" with "characteristic" and "identifying" with "distinctive", emphasizing uniqueness.

key attribute

Substitutes "identifying feature" with a more concise term, focusing on essential qualities.

defining characteristic

Replaces "identifying" with "defining", highlighting the role of the feature in setting something apart.

hallmark

A single-word replacement indicating a distinguishing trait, often associated with quality or origin.

distinguishing trait

Emphasizes the role of the feature in differentiating something from others.

characteristic feature

Reorders the words while retaining the core meaning, providing a slightly different emphasis.

diagnostic feature

Highlights the use of the feature in identifying or diagnosing something, often in a technical context.

signature element

Implies that the feature is unique and strongly associated with the subject.

typical attribute

Indicates a common or representative feature, rather than a unique one.

notable aspect

Shifts the focus to the prominence or importance of the feature.

FAQs

What does "identifying feature" mean?

An "identifying feature" is a characteristic or attribute that helps to recognize or distinguish something or someone from others. It's a key aspect that sets it apart.

How can I use "identifying feature" in a sentence?

You might say, "The most prominent "identifying feature" of this bird species is its bright red plumage" or "A key "identifying feature" of Biedermeier furniture is its restrained geometric appearance."

What are some alternatives to "identifying feature"?

Some alternatives include "distinctive characteristic", "key attribute", "defining characteristic", or "distinguishing trait" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "identifying feature" vs. "characteristic"?

"Identifying feature" is best used when emphasizing the role of a specific attribute in recognition or differentiation. "Characteristic" is a more general term for any notable quality or trait.