is a hallmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a hallmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a distinguishing feature or characteristic of something, often in a positive context. Example: "Innovation is a hallmark of successful companies in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generosity is a hallmark here.

The New York Times

Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer development.

Nature

Freedom is a hallmark of Gesualdo's style.

The New Yorker

Angiogenesis induction is a hallmark of cancer.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Airways hyperresponsiveness is a hallmark of asthma.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer cells.

Advances in Space Research

Neutrophilic airway inflammation is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF).

Stanford University

Creating a sustainability strategy is a hallmark of Walkers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Collaboration is a hallmark of an MIT education.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The collaboration is a hallmark of MIT's research culture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Standardization is a hallmark of American medical education.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a hallmark" to emphasize a positive and recognizable attribute that is strongly associated with the subject. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight a key defining quality.

Common error

Avoid using "is a hallmark" for trivial or common features. Reserve it for attributes that are genuinely distinctive and contribute significantly to the subject's identity. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a hallmark" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a defining characteristic or attribute of a subject. Ludwig showcases this in numerous examples, indicating its role in specifying what makes something noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a hallmark" serves to emphasize a defining or distinguishing characteristic, appearing frequently across diverse contexts like science, news media, and academia. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and effectively highlights key attributes. While versatile, it's best used for significant features, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "is a defining characteristic" or "is a signature trait" offer nuanced options. Overall, "is a hallmark" remains a robust and reliable choice for emphasizing crucial elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a defining characteristic

Focuses on the characteristic being crucial to the identity of the subject.

is a signature trait

Emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of the characteristic.

is a key attribute

Highlights the importance of the characteristic.

is a distinguishing feature

Focuses on how the characteristic sets the subject apart.

is emblematic of

Implies that the characteristic serves as a symbol for the subject.

is representative of

Suggests the characteristic is a typical example of the subject.

is synonymous with

Indicates a strong association between the characteristic and the subject.

is known for

Highlights the fame or notoriety of the characteristic.

is characterized by

Focuses on the characteristic as a defining element of the subject's nature.

is marked by

Suggests the presence of the characteristic is noticeable or significant.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "is a hallmark"?

Saying that something "is a hallmark" means it's a key characteristic, a distinguishing feature, or a notable attribute that is strongly associated with a particular entity, brand, or concept.

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

You can use "is a hallmark" to highlight a defining feature. For example, "Attention to detail "is a hallmark" of an excellent barrister", or "Innovation "is a hallmark" of successful tech companies".

What can I say instead of "is a hallmark"?

You can use alternatives like "is a defining characteristic", "is a signature trait", or "is a key attribute" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is a hallmark" in formal writing?

Yes, "is a hallmark" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in academic, business, and journalistic contexts to emphasize a key characteristic or defining feature.