particular trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific characteristic or quality of a person, object, or concept. Example: "Her success can be attributed to a particular trait: her unwavering determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Neagle struggled to throw strikes, and Torre has demonstrated little tolerance for that particular trait.

The New York Times - Sports

When Ms. Diaz disclosed this particular trait, Ms. Adamick wrote her, "I love animals.

The New York Times

"I didn't have to worry about any particular trait being terminal.

The New Yorker

The authors insist they are not making value judgments; whether a particular trait is positive or negative depends on circumstance.

The New York Times - Arts

Was there a particular trait or aspect of his personality that led you to write for him?

The Guardian

This last use of vocabulary may be a particular trait of European languages and some others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In essence, cloning allows breeders to speed up the clock - to bring forward a particular trait in a herd in rapid time.

The Guardian

Alex's "mother", Irene Pepperberg, has asked, "what do we learn if we find that a particular trait is or is not restricted to humans?".

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't have to be much of an ethnographer to observe that particular trait in a football crowd on any given Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

But domestication is an arduous process, in which animals must be selected for a particular trait through many generations, by several generations of people.

The New York Times

Alleles may occur in pairs, or there may be multiple alleles affecting the expression (phenotype) of a particular trait.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific or technical subjects, use "particular trait" to refer to specific, measurable characteristics that are being studied or manipulated.

Common error

Avoid using "particular trait" when a more general term like "characteristic" or "feature" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted. Reserve it for when you truly need to emphasize a specific, identifiable attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular trait" functions as a noun phrase, where "particular" acts as an adjective specifying the type of trait being referenced. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to denote a specific attribute or characteristic, making it clear which trait is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "particular trait" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific attribute or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across different contexts, especially in science and news media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "specific attribute" or "distinct feature", "particular trait" is useful when you want to emphasize that you're discussing a specific, identifiable characteristic. Remember to avoid overuse in general descriptions, and reserve it for instances where the specificity is necessary for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific attribute

Focuses on a distinct characteristic.

unique characteristic

Highlights the distinctiveness of the feature.

distinct feature

Emphasizes a noticeable aspect.

notable quality

Stresses the importance or prominence of the trait.

key characteristic

Indicates a crucial or essential attribute.

defining attribute

Suggests the trait is central to identity.

identifying feature

Highlights a trait that helps distinguish something.

peculiar characteristic

Emphasizes an unusual or odd trait.

special quality

Indicates a unique or exceptional characteristic.

individual feature

Focuses on a characteristic specific to one entity.

FAQs

How can I use "particular trait" in a sentence?

You can use "particular trait" to refer to a specific characteristic or feature of something. For example, "One "particular trait" of the species is its resilience to drought."

What are some alternatives to "particular trait"?

Alternatives include "specific attribute", "unique characteristic", or "distinct feature", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "specific trait" or "particular trait"?

"Specific trait" and "particular trait" are often interchangeable, but "particular" can sometimes imply a trait that is noteworthy or under discussion. The choice depends on the specific context, but in most cases both are grammatically and semantically valid.

What does "particular trait" mean in the context of genetics?

In genetics, "particular trait" refers to a specific heritable characteristic, such as eye color or disease resistance, that is determined by genes and can be passed from parents to offspring.