ordinary features

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary features" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe common or typical characteristics of something, often in a comparative context. Example: "The house had ordinary features, such as a simple roof and standard windows, that made it blend in with the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

These ordinary features of human flesh, she said, can be disguised with makeup and lights.

The New York Times

Or how many apparitions did it take — 10, 20, 100? — before they began to seem familiar milestones on the journey, ordinary features of the passing landscape?

The New York Times - Books

These unique but ordinary features of PylRS as an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase allow the Pyl incorporation machinery to be easily engineered for the genetic incorporation of more than 100 non-canonical amino acids (NCAAs) or α-hydroxy acids into proteins at amber codon and the reassignment of other codons such as ochre UAA, opal UGA, and four-base AGGA codons to code NCAAs.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

He earned fame for his lush and lyrical descriptions of bogs and other seemingly ordinary features of the Irish landscape, often drawing heavily from his own upbringing.

Los Angeles Times

The magic of this season lies in the designer's ability to re-imagine the ordinary features of clothing like the way he transforms tags, belt loops, and the built-in cuffs into peculiar pockets.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Yankee Group, a research firm, thinks that sales of these phones will overtake those of ordinary "feature" phones in many more countries in the next few years.

The Economist

These are not about to plummet, because hordes of folk still want to get their hands on smartphones: IHS, a research firm, reckons that next year global shipments of smartphones will exceed those of ordinary feature phones for the first time.

The Economist

The local mass distributions is an ordinary feature in cosmology and in describing the large scale characteristics of the universe.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Bubbly managed to gain ground quickly by being not tied to any mobile smartphone platform, and instead existing as a voice service that could work with ordinary feature phones.

TechCrunch

Otherwise ordinary features--a bird singing, the color of the sky--may be transformed into something more extraordinary.

Huffington Post

This program, as do others like it, understands the necessity of life's ordinary features--especially healthy relationships free from control and constant observation--for human spiritual health.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary features" to describe elements that are typical and unremarkable, setting a baseline for comparison with more distinctive or unusual aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary features" without providing a contrasting element. The phrase is most effective when highlighting the difference between common aspects and something exceptional or unique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary features" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ordinary" modifies the noun "features". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to describe typical or commonplace characteristics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordinary features" is used to describe commonplace or typical characteristics. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use in written English. It often serves to establish a baseline for comparison, highlighting a contrast with more unique or distinctive elements. Usage is relatively rare, predominantly found in news and scientific contexts. To enhance writing, ensure a contrasting element is present when using "ordinary features", and consider alternatives like "common characteristics" or "typical attributes" for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common characteristics

Focuses on the shared attributes among a group.

typical attributes

Highlights the representative qualities of something.

standard traits

Emphasizes conformity to a recognized norm or expectation.

usual qualities

Refers to the habitual or expected properties of an object or entity.

conventional aspects

Highlights adherence to established practices or norms.

familiar elements

Implies a known or recognizable set of components.

run-of-the-mill aspects

Conveys a sense of ordinariness or lack of distinction.

everyday facets

Focuses on the commonplace nature of certain aspects.

garden-variety attributes

Highlights the commonness and lack of uniqueness.

mundane qualities

Suggests a lack of excitement or interest in the attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary features" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary features" to describe commonplace aspects, such as, "The building's appeal stemmed from contrasting its sleek modern additions with its "ordinary features"." This highlights the contrast between the old and the new.

What phrases are similar to "ordinary features"?

Similar phrases include "common characteristics", "typical attributes", and "standard traits". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ordinary features" or "normal features"?

"Ordinary features" and "normal features" are often interchangeable, but "ordinary" emphasizes commonness and lack of distinction, while "normal" focuses on conformity to a standard or expectation. The better choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What is the difference between "ordinary features" and "unique features"?

"Ordinary features" refer to common and unremarkable aspects, whereas "unique features" describe distinctive and exceptional attributes. Using them in conjunction can create a strong contrast, such as, "Despite its "ordinary features", the house possessed several "unique features" that set it apart."