major characteristic of

USAGE SUMMARY

'major characteristic of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a particular aspect of something that it is known for or that is important in defining it. For example, "The versatility of the iPhone is a major characteristic of its appeal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

In any event, the patterns of land relations, politics, and culture changed considerably, and the major characteristic of the change consists of forms of decentralization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An overview of the evolution of life as a major characteristic of Earth's history is given in community ecology: Evolution of the biosphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fossil remains indicate that they possessed the major characteristic of the subclass, however: the division of the cranium into an anterior and a posterior part.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And polarization is a major characteristic of the Latin American region's political scenario.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "major characteristic of", ensure that the characteristic you are describing is indeed a defining or prominent feature. Avoid using it for minor or incidental aspects.

Common error

A common mistake is using "major characteristic of" for attributes that are not truly significant. Make sure the characteristic is a key aspect and not just a minor detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major characteristic of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing and emphasizing a significant attribute or feature. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major characteristic of" is a versatile phrase used to highlight defining attributes across a wide range of subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related contexts. For variety, consider using alternatives like "defining feature of" or "key attribute of". When employing this phrase, ensure the described characteristic is genuinely significant to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable aspect of

Highlights that the characteristic is worthy of attention or recognition.

prominent feature of

Indicates that the characteristic stands out and is easily noticeable.

defining feature of

Emphasizes that the feature is essential for identification or understanding.

primary trait of

Substitutes "characteristic" with "trait", highlighting a distinguishing quality.

key attribute of

Replaces "characteristic" with "attribute", focusing on an inherent quality.

chief attribute of

Replaces "major" with "chief", suggesting the most important quality.

hallmark of

Highlights a distinctive and recognizable feature, often associated with high quality.

principal aspect of

Focuses on a key element or facet of something.

essential quality of

Emphasizes that the characteristic is indispensable.

central element of

Highlights that the characteristic is a core component.

FAQs

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

Use "major characteristic of" to introduce a key feature or quality that defines something. For example, "A major characteristic of the novel is its complex plot."

What's a good alternative to "major characteristic of"?

Consider using "defining feature of", "key attribute of", or "prominent feature of" as alternatives to "major characteristic of".

Is it always necessary to use "major" when describing a characteristic?

No, using "major" depends on the context. If the characteristic is particularly significant, "major" is appropriate. Otherwise, simply "characteristic of" may suffice.

What's the difference between "major characteristic of" and "minor characteristic of"?

"Major characteristic of" denotes a significant and defining feature, while "minor characteristic of" indicates a less important or incidental aspect. The choice depends on the emphasis you want to place.