physical attribute

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical attribute" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a characteristic of someone's or something's physical form. For example, "The athlete's tall stature was his most admirable physical attribute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In your description of her, the one physical attribute u ascribe is "a modified beehive".

The New Yorker

He did not inherit his quarterbacking skill from his mother, but she contributed an inestimable physical attribute.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilson's quick hands might be his best physical attribute, according to Snitker, but his best tool is his perspective.

The New York Times - Sports

(His sometimes high, even squeaky, voice is the one physical attribute our modern imagination still wants to deny).

The New Yorker

In trying to "unlock" a character, he often zeroes in on a single fine-grained physical attribute.

The New Yorker

It could be employer discrimination, customer preference or that the physical attribute may make the worker less productive.

The New York Times - Books

A link between a physical attribute and salary, or crime, does not necessarily mean cause and effect.

The New York Times - Books

In a socially aware culture, people profess to believe that no skin color, religion, sexual orientation, political ideology, chronological age or physical attribute is superior to another.

The New York Times

Disarming his audience, fearing that they may have spotted racism, he explains that "race is a physical attribute, and that was a joke about language".

The Guardian

While rappers usually evoke the large condoms to imply a physical attribute, Mr. Long said that was not the point of the contest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

On one hand, physical attribute-based methods include screening direct neighbors of known disease genes in the PPI network [ 7, 8], comparing shortest path length [ 9] between candidate genes and known disease genes, clustering or graph partitioning to uncover disease modules in the interaction network [ 10- 12].

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical attributes, be specific and avoid generalizations to provide a clearer picture. Instead of saying "tall", specify the height.

Common error

Avoid using "physical attribute" when you actually mean a character trait or personality feature. "Kindness" is a personal quality, not a "physical attribute".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical attribute" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a tangible or visible characteristic of a person or thing. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical attribute" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to a tangible or observable characteristic. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki articles. The phrase functions to describe, categorize, or analyze features that can be observed or measured. While generally neutral in tone, it can become more formal or scientific depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. When aiming for more specific descriptions, consider using alternatives such as "bodily characteristic" or "outward appearance". Remember to avoid confusing "physical attributes" with personal qualities to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodily characteristic

Emphasizes the characteristic as being part of the body.

corporeal trait

Uses a more formal term for 'body', suggesting a more scientific or technical context.

physiological feature

Focuses on the functional or biological aspect of the physical attribute.

external characteristic

Highlights that the attribute is visible or observable from the outside.

outward appearance

Refers to how someone or something looks to others.

visible feature

Stresses the visibility of the attribute.

tangible quality

Emphasizes the attribute being real and able to be perceived.

material property

Highlights the physical composition and structure.

structural aspect

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of components.

observable trait

Suggests a characteristic that can be easily noticed or detected.

FAQs

How can I use "physical attribute" in a sentence?

You can use "physical attribute" to describe a feature of someone or something's body. For example, "Height is a common "physical attribute" considered in sports".

What are some alternatives to "physical attribute"?

You can use alternatives like "bodily characteristic", "corporeal trait", or "outward appearance" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to focus on someone's "physical attribute" in a professional setting?

While it depends on the context, focusing solely on someone's "physical attribute" in a professional setting can be seen as inappropriate or even discriminatory. Focus on skills and qualifications instead.

What's the difference between a "physical attribute" and a personality trait?

A "physical attribute" is a tangible characteristic of the body, like height or eye color. A personality trait is an aspect of someone's character, like kindness or intelligence.