most marked characteristics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most marked characteristics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the most prominent or noticeable features of something. Example: "The most marked characteristics of this species include its vibrant colors and unique mating rituals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A 1925 Western Times think piece begins: One of the most marked characteristics of this present century is the competition fever, which holds a big proportion of the population under its allurement.

The Guardian

Given the charm and joie de vivre that were Ertegun's most marked characteristics (and that also characterized Greenfield's own, best book, "Bill Graham Presents"), the biography takes a few surprising turns.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The gentleness of the English civilisation is perhaps its most marked characteristic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had a strong face, and a determination that was the most marked characteristic of the man.

The Guardian - Books

The New York Observer went for "daunted" and "tentative", with "the most marked characteristic of Lionel Asbo is its joylessness".

The Guardian - Opinion

By the time Ms. Smith reprints a Vanity Fair questionnaire in which she named "self-defeating generosity" as her most marked characteristic, no reader need wonder what she means.

The New York Times - Books

In "Bright Young Things," Mr. Bacanovic was asked, "What is your most marked characteristic?" and "What is your principle defect?" He gave the same answer to both questions: "Blind optimism".

The New York Times - Style

The book's greatest problem is the prose itself -- a vague po' folks dialect whose most marked characteristic is the elimination of "-ing," as in "She was moppin' and cussin'".

The New York Times - Books

The most marked characteristic was the brightness it added to instruments in the higher ranges, which is what the company was going for.

The New York Times - Tech

What is your most marked characteristic?

Huffington Post

"This mixture of vagueness and sheer incompetence," he writes in "Politics and the English Language," among my favorites of his essays, "is the most marked characteristic of modern English prose, and especially of any kind of political writing".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most marked characteristics", ensure the characteristics you are describing are genuinely the most noticeable and defining features. Avoid using the phrase for minor or less significant aspects.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "most marked characteristics" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main features" or "key traits" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most marked characteristics" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It identifies and emphasizes specific attributes or features that are highly noticeable or significant. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most marked characteristics" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing the most noticeable or prominent features of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various writing contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. Although less common than simpler alternatives like "main features", it offers a more emphatic and formal way to highlight key attributes. When using this phrase, ensure the characteristics genuinely stand out as the most defining features. While found across different source types, the frequency is not as high as more basic synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most prominent features

Replaces "marked" with "prominent", indicating features that stand out noticeably.

most significant features

Substitutes "marked" with "significant", highlighting importance.

most distinctive traits

Substitutes "characteristics" with "traits", emphasizing inherent qualities.

most notable qualities

Replaces "characteristics" with "qualities", emphasizing inherent attributes.

major defining attributes

Emphasizes attributes that play a crucial role in defining something.

key distinguishing attributes

Uses more formal language, focusing on attributes that set something apart.

principal identifying aspects

Focuses on aspects that help in recognizing or identifying something.

primary differentiating factors

Highlights factors that cause something to differ from others.

chief differentiating properties

Uses formal language to focus on the properties that cause differentiation.

central identifying elements

Highlights elements that are key to identifying something.

FAQs

How can I use "most marked characteristics" in a sentence?

You can use "most marked characteristics" to describe the key features of something. For example, "The "most marked characteristics of this species" include its vibrant colors and unique mating rituals."

What are some alternatives to "most marked characteristics"?

Some alternatives include "most prominent features", "most distinctive traits", or "key distinguishing attributes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "most marked characteristics" or "most remarkable characteristics"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Most marked characteristics" refers to the most noticeable or evident features, while "most remarkable characteristics" refers to the most exceptional or noteworthy features.

What's the difference between "most marked characteristics" and "main features"?

"Most marked characteristics" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "main features". While "main features" simply highlights the primary aspects, "most marked characteristics" emphasizes that these features are particularly noticeable or defining.