monumental feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "monumental feature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impressive characteristic of something, often in the context of architecture, nature, or achievements. Example: "The monumental feature of the ancient temple drew tourists from around the world, fascinated by its grandeur and historical significance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We don't understand what the purpose [of visible shrines], because the Nabateans didn't leave any written documents to tell us," he said, adding: "But I find it interesting that such a monumental feature doesn't have a visible relationship to the city".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He created the city's parks, many of its apartments, and such monumental features of the New York landscape as the Lincoln Center, the U.N. headquarters, Shea Stadium, and the NY Coliseum, along with many public works.

The New Yorker

These were in some senses an extension of the cemetery designs of the 1920s, celebrating a natural German landscape, but included extensive modernist, monumental features, intending to highlight German artistic skill.

Wikipedia

As popular as pedestrian islands are in urban settings these days -- usually constructed with the best of intentions to accommodate the foot traffic that forms the cornerstone of a healthy downtown -- the new construction tends to be a bit fancier, with more monumental features, clearly articulated crosswalks and stormwater management design in the form of bioswales or rain gardens.

Huffington Post

The last bullfight in Spain's Catalan region was expected to draw 20,000 spectators to a bout, or corrida, on Sunday at Barcelona's Monumental bullring featuring the popular matador José Tomás, my colleague Raphael Minder reports.

The New York Times

Recent studies on the Mesolithic shellmiddens of the Muge valley (Central Portugal) indicate that these sites must have had, by their size, aspect and integration in an increasing socially complex cultural system, a major impact on the landscape as monumental anthropogenic features.

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

The layout of the city resembles an airplane with a "monumental axis" (featuring most of the key buildings and attractions) running vertically down the center, flanked by two residential "wings".

Huffington Post

Known for his monumental 2003 video feature, "Los Angeles Plays Itself," Mr. Andersen is a filmmaker (and CalArts instructor) who merits a wider audience.

The New York Times

He sees fractals everywhere, using them as pieces in much larger puzzles that feature monumental scales and vibrant colors.

Vice

Later that year, Artforum featured another monumental work, Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty," an "immobile cyclone" of boulders jutting out from a desolate coast of Utah's Great Salt Lake.

The New York Times - Books

And then there's the issue of crowd control in this monumental opera, which features three men's and two ladies' choruses – almost 100 people.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "monumental feature" when you want to emphasize the impressive scale or significance of a particular aspect or component of something. It is particularly effective when describing architecture, historical sites, or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "monumental feature" when a simpler description would suffice. Save it for truly grand or noteworthy elements to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monumental feature" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "monumental" modifies the noun "feature". It describes a specific attribute of something, emphasizing its size, importance, or impressiveness, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "monumental feature" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, albeit not exceedingly common. Ludwig identifies its primary function as a noun phrase emphasizing the impressive or significant nature of a particular attribute. While applicable across various contexts, it leans towards formal registers, particularly in news and encyclopedia sources. The phrase's impact is maximized when reserved for truly grand or noteworthy elements, as overuse can diminish its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grand element

Emphasizes the impressiveness and size of the element.

impressive aspect

Focuses on the quality of being admired and respected.

significant attribute

Highlights the importance and defining characteristic.

remarkable component

Stresses the noteworthiness of the part.

major characteristic

Indicates a primary and important trait.

prominent detail

Emphasizes the visibility and importance of the detail.

outstanding trait

Focuses on a particularly excellent or noticeable quality.

striking aspect

Highlights an aspect that immediately attracts attention.

imposing quality

Stresses the quality's commanding or impressive nature.

notable element

Emphasizes that the element is worthy of being noticed.

FAQs

How can I use "monumental feature" in a sentence?

You can use "monumental feature" to describe an impressive or significant aspect of something, such as "The ancient temple's "monumental feature" was its towering columns".

What are some alternatives to "monumental feature"?

Consider using alternatives like "grand element", "impressive aspect", or "significant attribute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "monumental feature" formal or informal?

"Monumental feature" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic writing, news reports, or professional presentations. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for casual conversations.

What makes a feature "monumental"?

A feature is considered "monumental" when it is exceptionally large, impressive, and often historically significant, creating a lasting impact or impression.