is a defining trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a defining trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is essential to the identity of a person, group, or thing. Example: "Honesty is a defining trait of a good leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Diversity is a defining trait in America, but the upcoming generation defines themselves as a "pluralist generation".

Huffington Post

Diversity is a defining trait in America, but the upcoming generation defines themselves as a "pluralist generation". Fieler explains: "They have conviction in diverse races and religions and believe people can coexist in society". Why should this affect your business?

HuffPost

North Korea is changing its public image domestically, and this approach is a defining trait of the new leadership team under Kim Jong-un.

The Guardian

Such is the impact of the so-called vertical of power, a structure that is a defining trait of the Putin era.

The New York Times

That is a defining trait of New York in particular, he said, partly because it is a city of immigrants, partly because of "our revolutionary heritage -- cutting loose from the Old World".

The New York Times

As for Mr. Bloomberg, he has long had to contend with rumblings that sexism is a defining trait of the financial information and media company that made him a billionaire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Walking upright on two legs is a defining human trait, but it's one that can vanish in the blink of an eye.

Harvard University

The obsession with burial and what to do with bodies when life has fled is a defining human trait, as much a subject of poetry and epic as love or jealousy or war.

The New Yorker

Some horses absorb stress, just like people, and that is a defining personality trait".

Los Angeles Times

The Mets' inability to produce runs is becoming a defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

What does the scissor shot have to do with the Federer gap? Flash is wonderful as long as it's not a defining trait.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a defining trait", ensure it accurately represents a core characteristic that significantly influences the subject's identity or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "is a defining trait" for characteristics that are merely common or noticeable, rather than fundamentally shaping the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a defining trait" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies a key characteristic. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase correctly identifies a quality that essentially shapes something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a defining trait" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to highlight essential characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively identifies key qualities that shape the identity or nature of a subject. It appears frequently in news and media, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for a neutral to formal register. While there are several semantically related alternatives such as "is a key attribute" or "is a hallmark feature", it's important to avoid overstating the importance of a trait, ensuring it genuinely shapes the subject in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a characteristic trait

Replaces "defining" with "characteristic", emphasizing a typical quality.

is a key attribute

Uses "key attribute" to highlight an important feature.

is a hallmark feature

Substitutes "defining trait" with "hallmark feature", indicating a distinctive characteristic.

is a crucial aspect

Replaces "defining trait" with "crucial aspect", highlighting importance.

is an essential quality

Uses "essential quality" to emphasize a fundamental characteristic.

is a fundamental property

Changes "trait" to "property", focusing on an inherent feature.

is a central characteristic

Substitutes "defining" with "central", indicating a core element.

is a distinctive feature

Uses "distinctive feature" to highlight a unique quality.

is a primary attribute

Replaces "defining trait" with "primary attribute", stressing importance.

is a significant characteristic

Substitutes "defining" with "significant", denoting importance.

FAQs

How can I use "is a defining trait" in a sentence?

Use "is a defining trait" to describe a characteristic that is essential to the identity or nature of someone or something. For example, "Resilience is a defining trait of successful entrepreneurs."

What are some alternatives to "is a defining trait"?

You can use alternatives like "is a characteristic trait", "is a key attribute", or "is a hallmark feature" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "is a defining trait" and "is a common trait"?

"Is a defining trait" refers to a characteristic that is fundamental and essential, while "is a common trait" simply indicates a characteristic that is frequently observed but not necessarily central to the subject's identity.

When is it appropriate to use "is a defining trait" in writing?

Use "is a defining trait" when you want to emphasize that a particular characteristic is crucial and intrinsic to the subject you are describing, significantly influencing its nature or behavior.