major characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

'major characteristic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a defining feature of a person, place, thing, or concept. For example, "Honesty is a major characteristic of John's personality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A major characteristic was then used to describe groups of birds, beasts and professions.

The New York Times - Sports

"The major characteristic of this place," says Sharifullin, "is its remoteness – geographical, psychological, cultural and political.

The Guardian

A vivid interest in things, and an active desire to understand more about them, is a major characteristic of intelligence.

The Guardian - Opinion

A major characteristic of arachnid evolution is that segments were fused or lost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major characteristic of the Postclassic, in contrast to the Classic, is the abundant historical documentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The major characteristic of the United States is probably its great variety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major characteristic of primates is that their fingers and toes terminate in nails rather than in claws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ability to invade adjacent tissues is a major characteristic that distinguishes malignant tumours from benign tumours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Muhammad thus set a precedent for another major characteristic of Islamicate civilization, that of qualified religious pluralism under Muslim authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His major characteristic was that he could score these both from the left and right sides, even though he was left-footed".

The Guardian - Sport

Birds make up any of the 9,600 living species unique in having feathers, the major characteristic that distinguishes them from all other animals.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major characteristic", ensure that the characteristic you are describing is indeed a key or defining attribute. Avoid using it for minor or incidental features.

Common error

Avoid using "major characteristic" to describe attributes that are not central or defining. This can weaken your argument and make your writing less precise. Focus on what truly distinguishes the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major characteristic" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, identifying a key attribute. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to highlight significant aspects across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major characteristic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to pinpoint defining attributes across various subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct. It commonly appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the feature you're highlighting is indeed a key or defining aspect, rather than a minor detail. Consider alternatives like ""key attribute"" or ""defining feature"" for nuanced emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can leverage "major characteristic" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining feature

Highlights the feature that distinctly identifies something.

significant attribute

Emphasizes the importance or noteworthiness of the attribute.

hallmark characteristic

Implies that the characteristic is a typical or distinctive feature.

key attribute

Focuses on the attribute as being essential or crucial.

prominent feature

Highlights the feature as being easily noticeable or standing out.

primary trait

Emphasizes the trait as being the most important or fundamental.

notable quality

Emphasizes the quality as being worthy of attention or recognition.

principal aspect

Indicates the aspect that is most significant or prominent.

distinctive element

Highlights the element as being unique or setting something apart.

central property

Highlights the property as being core or fundamental to something.

FAQs

How can I use "major characteristic" in a sentence?

You can use "major characteristic" to describe a defining feature of something. For example, "A "defining feature" of mammals is the presence of mammary glands".

What are some alternatives to saying "major characteristic"?

Alternatives include "key attribute", "defining feature", or "primary trait". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "major characteristic" or "important characteristic"?

"Major characteristic" implies a defining feature, while "important characteristic" suggests significance. The better choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a defining quality or simply its importance. Use the term that most accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Can "major characteristic" be used to describe a negative trait?

Yes, "major characteristic" can be used to describe either positive or negative traits. For instance, "A "significant drawback" of the system is its complexity".