principal characteristic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal characteristic of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or most important feature of something. Example: "The principal characteristic of a successful leader is the ability to inspire and motivate others."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That is the principal characteristic of Mexico City.

The Guardian

Grotesque inequality long ago became a principal characteristic of the world's biggest and most crowded cities.

The New Yorker

Thus, the principal characteristic of the will in Western legal systems is its ambulatory nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the principal characteristic of Islamophobia is that it remains, at least in France, very rarely denounced.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the principal characteristic of that sign is honesty, she said, a virtue Ms. Arie has in great supply.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Curtis's brief posting said, "The principal characteristic of biological agents that could make their use attractive to terrorists is their extreme toxicity, even compared to other weapons of mass destruction".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

What were the principal characteristics of a beautiful geode?

The New Yorker

(See also Moon: Principal characteristics of the Earth-Moon system).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But if you say it wasn't a brothel, then you must define the principal characteristics of a brothel.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the principal characteristics of traditional Polynesian cultures is an effective adaptation to and mastery of the ocean environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the principal characteristics of the stratificational approach is that it sets out to describe languages without making use of rules that convert one entity into another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal characteristic of", ensure that the characteristic you are describing is indeed the most important or defining one for the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "principal characteristic of" when describing a trait that is merely common but not necessarily the most significant or defining attribute. Make sure the characteristic is genuinely the most prominent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal characteristic of" functions as a noun modifier, introducing a description of the most important attribute or feature of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal characteristic of" is a valuable tool for clearly defining the most important attribute of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "key feature of" or "defining aspect of" exist, the phrase's formality makes it suitable for more professional settings. Remember to ensure the described characteristic is truly the most significant to avoid overstating its importance. Using "principal characteristic of" effectively enhances the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary attribute of

Replaces "characteristic" with "attribute" and "principal" with "primary", emphasizing a key quality.

key feature of

Uses "feature" instead of "characteristic" and "key" instead of "principal", offering a more concise alternative.

main trait of

Substitutes "characteristic" with "trait" and "principal" with "main", focusing on a distinguishing quality.

defining aspect of

Replaces "characteristic" with "aspect" and "principal" with "defining", highlighting a crucial element.

essential quality of

Uses "quality" instead of "characteristic" and "essential" instead of "principal", stressing a fundamental property.

hallmark of

Offers a more concise and idiomatic alternative, indicating a distinguishing feature.

central property of

Replaces "characteristic" with "property" and "principal" with "central", focusing on a core attribute.

chief attribute of

Substitutes "principal" with "chief", indicating a leading attribute.

dominant characteristic of

Replaces "principal" with "dominant", highlighting the most prominent characteristic.

most significant feature of

Emphasizes the importance of the feature, using "most significant" instead of "principal".

FAQs

How can I use "principal characteristic of" in a sentence?

You can use "principal characteristic of" to highlight the most important feature or attribute of a subject. For example, "The "principal characteristic of" mammals is the presence of mammary glands."

What are some alternatives to "principal characteristic of"?

Alternatives include "key feature of", "main trait of", or "defining aspect of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "main principal characteristic of"?

Yes, using both "main" and "principal" is redundant because they both indicate primary importance. It's best to choose one or the other: "main characteristic of" or ""principal characteristic of"".

How does "principal characteristic of" differ from "typical characteristic of"?

"Principal characteristic of" denotes the most important or defining feature, while "typical characteristic of" refers to a common but not necessarily the most significant feature.