passing trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is temporary or not permanent in nature. Example: "His ability to adapt to new environments is a passing trait that he developed during his travels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If someone is regarded as a "loser," it is part of their fundamental nature, not a passing trait.

The Washington Post

Thus, "conventionality is a passing trait, significant at the moving front of science but useless in classifying the sentences behind the lines" (1954, p. 119).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Specifically, Darwin was unable to explain the source of variation in traits within a species, and could not identify a mechanism that could pass traits faithfully from one generation to the next.

Wikipedia

Researchers soon realized that some roaches had developed an aversion to glucose the sugary bait disguising the poison and that the insects were passing that trait on to their young.

Science Magazine

If you're a parent or manager and can't make a decision, chances are you're passing this trait on to your children and team.

Huffington Post

Those individuals that were better adapted, Darwin and Wallace said, would be more likely to survive and reproduce, passing their traits to the next generation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Escaped salmon then pass that trait on to hybrid wild salmon, who are then, to mix metaphors, like lambs to the slaughter out in the open seas.

The New York Times

She calls her research "optimistic": Given a nurturing environment, even rodents who are bred to be timid and anxious can become calm, and they'll pass that trait on to their descendants.

University of California, Berkeley

"Impossible" is exactly how biologists once described so-called epigenetic inheritance, in which something other than a DNA sequence passes a trait between generations.

Science Magazine

I've passed the trait on to my offspring.

Los Angeles Times

Last month, researchers from UC Irvine and UC San Diego showed how mosquitoes genetically modified using the CRISPR system can be programmed to fight malaria in their bodies and pass that trait to 97% of their offspring.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "passing trait", ensure the context clearly indicates that the characteristic is temporary and not a fundamental aspect of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "passing trait" to describe characteristics that are intended to be enduring or deeply ingrained; use it only for qualities that are explicitly temporary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing trait" functions as a noun phrase, where "passing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "trait". It describes a characteristic that is not permanent or inherent. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing trait" is a grammatically correct way to describe a temporary or non-permanent characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the temporary nature of the attribute you are describing. Alternative phrases like "fleeting characteristic" or "temporary attribute" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting characteristic

Emphasizes the brief duration of the characteristic.

temporary attribute

Highlights the non-permanent nature of the attribute.

transient quality

Focuses on the short-lived nature of the quality.

short-lived feature

Stresses the brief existence of the feature.

impermanent characteristic

Directly states the lack of permanence.

ephemeral trait

Uses a more formal term to denote brevity.

momentary attribute

Highlights that the attribute exists only for a moment.

non-inherent quality

Emphasizes that the quality is not a fundamental part of something.

situational characteristic

Suggests that the characteristic is dependent on the situation.

unstable feature

Focuses on the lack of stability of the feature.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing trait" to describe a temporary characteristic, as in: "His shyness was just a passing trait that he outgrew with experience."

What are some alternatives to "passing trait"?

Alternatives include "fleeting characteristic", "temporary attribute", or "transient quality".

Is it correct to describe a personality trait as a "passing trait"?

It depends on whether the trait is genuinely temporary. If the personality trait is expected to change or disappear over time, then "passing trait" can be appropriate.

What's the difference between a "passing trait" and a "defining characteristic"?

A "passing trait" is temporary and not fundamental, while a "defining characteristic" is a core aspect that helps identify or describe something. One is fleeting, the other is enduring.