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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it's characteristic of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

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

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.

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.

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

News & Media

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, it's characteristic of the Home Office's continuing hostile environment policy," said Gracie Bradley, Liberty's policy and campaigns manager.

News & Media

The Guardian

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

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's characteristics of God.

News & Media

Forbes

It's divine ‑‑ it's characteristics of God that are being revealed there that people are relying on.

News & Media

Forbes

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

News & Media

The New Yorker

It is characteristic of children's game rhymes from ancient times to the present and of most nursery rhymes.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

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

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's characteristic of" to highlight a recurring pattern or quality associated with a person, group, or thing. This adds depth to your description by implying past behavior or inherent traits.

Common error

While "it's characteristic of" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "typically" or "usually" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's characteristic of" functions as a descriptor, attributing a typical or expected quality or behavior to a subject. It frames an action or trait as being in line with the established nature of the subject, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Arts

21%

Books

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Sports

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's characteristic of" is a common phrase used to describe typical or expected behaviors and qualities. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's versatile enough for news, arts, and book contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, consider using more concise alternatives in formal writing. Remember that it emphasizes recurring patterns and predictable traits, making it valuable for descriptions across various subjects.

FAQs

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

Use "it's characteristic of" to describe actions or qualities that are typical or expected of someone or something. For example, "It's characteristic of him to arrive late."

What are some alternatives to "it's characteristic of"?

You can use alternatives like "is typical of", "is indicative of", or "is consistent with" depending on the specific context.

Is "it's characteristic of" formal or informal?

"It's characteristic of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but in highly formal writing, consider using more concise alternatives.

What does "it's characteristic of" imply about the subject?

It implies that the behavior or quality being described is a regular or predictable aspect of the subject's nature or actions.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: