is a characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific quality or feature of a person, object, or concept. Example: "Honesty is a characteristic that many people value in a friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a characteristic gesture.

The New Yorker

It is a characteristic.

The Guardian

What is a characteristic of Quest tales?

The New York Times

There is a characteristic Bruce Mau look.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a characteristic choice of words.

The Guardian - Arts

That is a characteristic Powell shares with other successful entrepreneurs.

The New York Times - Sports

Passion, after all, is a characteristic of Italians, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a characteristic of this team.

BBC

This is a characteristic of substructural logics.

SEP

Privacy is a characteristic unique to the individual.

TechCrunch

Industry is a characteristic of the employer.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a characteristic", ensure that the characteristic you are describing is indeed a defining or prominent feature of the subject. Provide specific examples or context to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "is a characteristic" for minor or infrequent traits. Ensure the characteristic is truly representative and significant, not just an occasional occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a characteristic" serves as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun that renames or identifies it. It defines a quality or attribute associated with the subject, as supported by Ludwig's examples from various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a characteristic" is a versatile tool used to define and highlight essential qualities or attributes across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly employed in science, news, and general discussions. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider using it to emphasize significant features and support claims with concrete examples, avoiding overgeneralization. Exploring alternatives like "is a defining trait" or "is a typical feature" can add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a defining trait

Emphasizes that the trait is crucial to the identity or nature of something.

is a typical feature

Highlights that the feature is commonly observed or expected.

is a hallmark

Implies the feature is a distinctive and recognizable sign.

is a key attribute

Focuses on the attribute being important or essential.

is a distinguishing feature

Highlights that the feature sets something apart from others.

is indicative of

Suggests that the characteristic serves as a sign or indication of something else.

is representative of

Highlights that the characteristic is typical and exemplifies the whole.

is an essential quality

Emphasizes that the quality is necessary and fundamental.

is commonly associated with

Highlights a frequent or widespread connection or link.

is part and parcel of

Implies that the characteristic is an integral and inseparable aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "is a characteristic" in a sentence?

You can use "is a characteristic" to describe a typical or notable feature of something. For example, "Patience is a characteristic of good teachers."

What are some alternatives to "is a characteristic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is a defining trait", "is a typical feature", or "is a hallmark", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is a characteristic of" or "is characteristic of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is characteristic of" generally implies that something exhibits the typical qualities of a particular thing, while "is a characteristic of" highlights one specific attribute.

What's the difference between "is a characteristic" and "is a feature"?

While both terms relate to properties of something, "characteristic" often implies a more inherent or typical quality, while "feature" can refer to any distinct part or aspect, as in "is a typical feature".