salient feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "salient feature" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a characteristic that stands out from the others, or an important component that is worth noting. For example, "The most salient feature of this model of car is its excellent fuel efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It seemed like their most salient feature," he said.

The New York Times - Science

A shotgun's salient feature is its lack of privacy.

The New Yorker

That, for once, is the most salient feature of Pitt's anatomy.

The New Yorker

A deceptive simplicity was a salient feature of Ms. Fleming's singing as well.

The New York Times - Arts

These visits became, another writer noted, "the only salient feature of his life".

The New Yorker

Shortness, as it happens, is a salient feature of the short story.

The New Yorker

But she didn't flee, even though his salient feature as a man was his leavability.

The New Yorker

A salient feature of the cinema is its ability to reproduce natural scenery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A salient feature of Romantic sensibility was awareness of the beauties of the natural world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A salient feature of the Ōu Mountains is the row of depressions along its axis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its other salient feature, namely dualism, was never understood in an absolute, rigorous fashion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something complex, identify the "salient feature" early to focus the reader's attention on the most important aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "salient feature" when a simpler word like "characteristic" or "aspect" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "salient feature" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a particular attribute or characteristic that stands out or is most important. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts to draw attention to key aspects of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "salient feature" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the most important or noticeable aspect of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its utility in analytical and descriptive writing. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in simple descriptions, opting for simpler synonyms when appropriate. Its function is to highlight the key aspects for the reader, making it a valuable tool for clear and focused communication. It's a formal expression and there are many words that you can use in alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristic

Indicates that the feature is essential for identification or understanding.

distinctive attribute

Highlights the uniqueness of the attribute.

key characteristic

Highlights the importance of the characteristic being described.

significant aspect

Emphasizes the importance of the aspect being considered.

prominent attribute

Replaces "feature" with "attribute", emphasizing a quality or characteristic.

noticeable trait

Focuses on a trait that is easily observed or recognized.

noteworthy aspect

Focuses on an aspect that is worth paying attention to.

principal trait

Substitutes "feature" with "trait", suggesting an inherent quality.

primary element

Stresses the element's fundamental role or position.

major element

Emphasizes that the feature is a significant component.

FAQs

How can I use "salient feature" in a sentence?

Use "salient feature" to highlight a key characteristic. For instance, "The "defining characteristic" of this design is its simplicity."

What are some alternatives to "salient feature"?

You can use alternatives such as "key characteristic", "prominent attribute", or "noteworthy aspect" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "most salient feature"?

While "salient" already implies prominence, "most salient feature" can be used for emphasis when comparing multiple features, though it can sometimes be considered redundant. Consider using "primary element" instead for brevity.

What's the difference between "salient feature" and "distinctive feature"?

"Salient feature" refers to a characteristic that is most noticeable or important, while "distinctive feature" emphasizes uniqueness or what sets something apart.