it's characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's characteristic" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a quality or trait that is typical of someone or something. For example, "The friendly members of the team were a characteristic of the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's characteristic of Wylie's odd paintings, populated by fantastical characters dancing across dreamlike, if not Freudian, landscapes.

The Guardian - Arts

Four men are brought into being in contemporary Paris, for the purposes of the writer: they are aware of him and call him their "master", though it's characteristic of Kundera's light touch that the little meta-narrational joke is only aired once or twice, and you could easily miss it.

The Guardian - Books

This last discovery happens inside a hole dug by a convict for a power pole, and it's characteristic of Earley's method, which is not to appear to have a method: "When Uncle Zeno let go, Jim thought he was going to fall a long way, but his feet hit the ground after only a few inches.

The New York Times - Books

She said it's characteristic of Smith's new bullying manner.

Huffington Post

Yet it's characteristic of Ms. Driscoll's choreography that the seeming anarchy is built into a tight structure of recurrence.

The New York Times - Arts

It's characteristic of Mr. Milch's constantly evolving, sometimes blurry writing style that series stars like Mr. Franz, Mr. Schroder (who replaced Mr. Smits, Ms. Thompson, Ms. McDaniel and Ms. Delaneyy have little idea where the overlapping plots are heading.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

What are it's characteristics?

WikiHow

Musically, it is characteristic of Williams's later songs.

The New Yorker

It's what you might expect of the city itself, with its famous warmth, but it is characteristic of the art scene too.

The Guardian - Arts

One contributor to Oliver's therapy group insists that it is characteristic of American prisons, not British ones.

The Guardian - Film

It was characteristic of her indomitable diffidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's characteristic", ensure that the subject you're describing has been clearly introduced to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It's characteristic of him to be late," specify: "John is often late. It's characteristic of him."

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizing. Just because something is "characteristic" doesn't mean it's the only way the subject behaves. "It's characteristic of dogs to bark" doesn't mean all dogs bark all the time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's characteristic" functions as a descriptor, attributing a typical or distinctive quality to a subject. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase effectively highlights a recurring trait or behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's characteristic" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a typical or distinctive quality or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English across a range of contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki entries, emphasizing its role in objective description. While "it's characteristic" is a versatile phrase, it's essential to avoid overgeneralization and ensure the subject is clearly defined. Related phrases like "it's typical" or "it's indicative" can be used for variety, but each carries its own subtle nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's typical

This alternative emphasizes the commonness or usual nature of something, rather than its unique distinctiveness.

it's representative

This alternative suggests that something is a good example or illustration of a larger group or category.

it's indicative

This suggests that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

it's a hallmark

This alternative emphasizes a distinguishing trait or feature, often associated with high quality.

it's distinctive

This focuses on the unique and easily recognizable quality of something.

it's symptomatic

This suggests that something is a symptom or sign of an underlying issue or condition.

it's in character

This is most often used to describe behavior that is consistent with someone's established personality or habits.

it's consistent with

This highlights that something aligns or agrees with a particular pattern or expectation.

it's attributable to

This emphasizes the cause or origin of a particular characteristic.

it aligns with

This indicates a state of agreement or correspondence with certain traits.

FAQs

How can I use "it's characteristic" in a sentence?

Use "it's characteristic" to describe a typical quality or trait of someone or something. For example, "It's characteristic of him to always arrive early."

What can I say instead of "it's characteristic"?

You can use alternatives like "it's typical", "it's indicative", or "it's representative depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it's a characteristic" or "it's characteristic"?

The phrase "it's a characteristic" is grammatically correct, but "it's characteristic" is often used to describe a general or typical quality. For example, "Honesty is a characteristic" vs. "It's characteristic of him to be honest."

What's the difference between "it's characteristic of" and "it's typical of"?

While similar, "it's characteristic of" emphasizes a distinctive or recognizable quality, while "it's typical of" focuses on commonness or usual behavior.