make a feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a feature of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to emphasize or highlight a particular aspect or characteristic of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a physical feature of a person or object, a noteworthy aspect of a place or event, or a defining characteristic of a product or service. Example: "The designer made a feature of the large windows in the room, allowing natural light to flood in and create a bright and airy space." In this sentence, "make a feature of" is used to describe the action of purposely highlighting and showcasing the large windows as a key aspect of the design of the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You make a feature of it, you play with it: that's what makes you creative.

The Guardian - Music

If you do it in a contrasting colour, you can make a feature of your mending.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This year's Proms make a feature of piano concertos, with no less than 22 examples included during the season.

The Guardian - Music

"We wanted to make a feature of the stairs," says Phillips, who runs architecture practice Bell Phillips Architects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you don't have a traditional chimney, you could make a feature of a stainless-steel pipe running up through your home (pictured).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Garages that tried to celebrate the automobile or make a feature of it have had a way of not getting built.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Porcelanosa is a really good source of tiles and you can make a feature out of one wall," he says.

Independent

Rapids makes a feature of this, but the characterisation quickly wears thin.

The Guardian - Books

The museum makes a feature of this; the first visitors' gallery is "Visible Store".

The Economist

West makes a feature of it, turning robotic while singing about heartbreak.

The Guardian - Music

The programme actually makes a feature of this, as if they want to remind you it doesn't matter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a feature of", ensure the object being featured is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'They made a feature of it', specify 'They made a feature of the antique fireplace'.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "make a feature of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "highlight" or "emphasize" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a feature of" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It indicates the action of intentionally highlighting or emphasizing a particular aspect of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples demonstrating its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Lifestyle

14%

Music

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a feature of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of highlighting or emphasizing something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides diverse examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While it can be used in various contexts, it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives such as "emphasize" or "highlight" may be more suitable in casual conversation. The phrase finds frequent application in news, lifestyle, and design contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emphasize

This alternative replaces the entire phrase with a single verb focusing on the act of highlighting.

highlight

Similar to 'emphasize', this verb offers a direct substitute for the phrase, stressing the act of bringing attention to something.

showcase

This alternative suggests a deliberate and positive presentation of a particular aspect.

spotlight

This verb implies directing focus onto something, often to display its importance.

draw attention to

This phrase focuses on the act of causing something to be noticed.

accentuate

This alternative suggests enhancing or intensifying a specific aspect.

play up

An informal alternative that means to emphasize something in a promotional way.

foreground

This verb means to give prominence or emphasis to something.

feature prominently

This longer phrase explicitly includes the word 'feature' but changes the grammatical structure.

focus on

This alternative emphasizes concentrating attention on a specific element.

FAQs

How can I use "make a feature of" in a sentence?

You can use "make a feature of" to describe highlighting or emphasizing a particular aspect or characteristic, such as "The architect "made a feature of" the building's sustainable design".

What is a synonym for "make a feature of"?

Synonyms for "make a feature of" include "emphasize", "highlight", or "showcase", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "feature" something instead of "make a feature of" something?

While you can "feature" something, "make a feature of" implies a more deliberate and designed emphasis, whereas "feature" simply means to include or present something.

What's the difference between "make a feature of" and "focus on"?

"Make a feature of" suggests enhancing and showcasing something, while "focus on" simply means directing attention to it without necessarily enhancing it.