key trait

USAGE SUMMARY

"key trait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important or essential trait or quality of someone or something. For example, "Leadership is a key trait for success in business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another key trait was perseverance.

The Guardian

One key trait: Emergent leadership.

The Washington Post

The key trait for a new chancellor?

The New York Times

That's why it's a key trait to look for when recruiting.

Harvard Business Review

As this example illustrates, perhaps the key trait of negotiauctions is flexibility.

Harvard University

My closest friend, a psychologist, tells me that traveling with food is a key trait of foodaholics.

The New York Times - Travel

Floral scent and colour are key trait for many floricultural crops.

Scientia Horticulturae

A key trait of the "Sunday" revival is its feeling of intimacy, but its Broadway home is the cavernous Studio 54.

The New York Times

The panellists agreed that a key trait of a successful organisation was that everyone involved vehemently believed in what it stood for.

The Guardian

If that is too much analysis for one tennis player, Toni identifies the key trait in Monfils, 27, that has stopped him winning any prize of significance.

The Guardian - Sport

Jan Walter Schroeder, 28, a second-year PhD student at Bournemouth University, believes that taking the initiative is a key trait.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key trait", ensure that the trait you are describing is genuinely essential to the subject and not merely a common or expected attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "key trait" for qualities that are secondary or non-essential. Reserve it for characteristics that are truly fundamental and defining.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key trait" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies an important attribute or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight essential characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key trait" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular characteristic. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and effective for highlighting essential qualities. It appears frequently in both scientific and news-related contexts. When writing, ensure the identified trait is truly fundamental to avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives such as "essential attribute", "primary characteristic", and "defining feature" can add nuance depending on the specific context. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources and is suitable for various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential attribute

Replaces "trait" with "attribute", emphasizing a fundamental quality.

primary characteristic

Substitutes "key" with "primary" and "trait" with "characteristic", focusing on the most important feature.

defining feature

Highlights the role of the trait in setting something apart.

critical quality

Replaces "trait" with "quality", stressing the importance of the characteristic.

vital aspect

Emphasizes the trait's importance for the overall success or functionality.

fundamental property

Highlights that the trait is basic and essential to the nature of something.

significant attribute

Indicates that the trait is noteworthy and impactful.

crucial element

Focuses on the trait as a necessary part of a whole.

major characteristic

Similar to "primary characteristic" but with slightly less emphasis.

central feature

Indicates that the trait is located at the core of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "key trait" in a sentence?

You can use "key trait" to highlight an essential characteristic. For instance, "Patience is a "key trait" of successful investors", or "Flexibility is a "key trait" of negotiauctions".

What is a good alternative to "key trait"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "key trait" include "essential attribute", "primary characteristic", or "defining feature".

What does "key trait" mean?

"Key trait" refers to a characteristic that is particularly important or essential for understanding or defining something. It signifies a quality that plays a crucial role.

Which is correct, "key trait" or "main trait"?

Both "key trait" and "main trait" are correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "key trait" may suggest a more fundamental or indispensable quality compared to "main trait".