positive attribute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positive attribute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a favorable quality or characteristic of a person, object, or concept. Example: "Her kindness is a positive attribute that makes her a great leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he said that was a positive attribute.

The New York Times

If anything it should be seen as a positive attribute".

The Guardian

(That, some supporters believe, is not entirely a positive attribute).

The New York Times

The airport, known as LAX, does have one other positive attribute, however.

The New York Times - Travel

He is close to Cameron, but this may not be a positive attribute.

The Guardian

I can't be the only person for whom ambition isn't always an entirely positive attribute.

The Guardian

"Peppery" is an official, positive attribute of "extra virgin" whereas smoothness will reliably indicate a low-quality oil.

The Guardian - Books

Or could aspiring to excellence in every area of life and work be seen as a positive attribute?

The Guardian

Normality is a positive attribute in politics: we are told David M is the "brains" of the two brothers, but Ed is the more relaxed of the two.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a second study, Litt and Shiv described the same sour undertones as a positive attribute: it would signal "palate sensitivity".

The New Yorker

The one positive attribute that Heller never sought to deny in Something Happened was his daughter's high intelligence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's qualities in a professional context, use "positive attribute" to highlight specific strengths relevant to their role.

Common error

While "positive attribute" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "good thing" or "plus" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive attribute" functions as a noun phrase, where "positive" modifies the noun "attribute". It's used to identify a beneficial or desirable characteristic of something or someone, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positive attribute" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for denoting a beneficial or desirable quality. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to professional register. While interchangeable with synonyms like "beneficial trait" or "favorable quality", it's essential to consider the context and audience when selecting the most appropriate term. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain clarity and impact. The phrase is deemed usable and correct, and is verified as being "Very common" in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous characteristic

Replaces "positive" with "advantageous", emphasizing the benefit provided by the characteristic.

beneficial trait

Substitutes both words with synonyms, highlighting the helpful or favorable aspect of the trait.

favorable quality

Uses "favorable" instead of "positive", suggesting approval or support of the quality.

valuable asset

Changes the structure to emphasize the worth or importance of the attribute as an asset.

strength

A more concise term that refers to a generally useful or commendable quality.

merit

Focuses on the deservingness or excellence of the attribute.

commendable feature

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the feature.

desirable aspect

Emphasizes the appeal or attractiveness of the aspect.

good quality

A more general and less emphatic way to describe a positive feature.

virtue

Refers to moral excellence as a positive attribute.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "positive attribute"?

You can use alternatives like "advantageous characteristic", "beneficial trait", or "favorable quality" depending on the context.

How to use "positive attribute" in a sentence?

You can use "positive attribute" to highlight a beneficial quality or characteristic. For example: "Her dedication is a positive attribute that makes her a valuable team member."

Which is correct, "positive attribute" or "negative attribute"?

Both "positive attribute" and "negative attribute" are correct, depending on whether you are describing a beneficial or detrimental quality.

What's the difference between "positive attribute" and "strength"?

While both refer to good qualities, "strength" is a more general term, while "positive attribute" is more specific and formal, often used in professional or analytical contexts.