salient quality

USAGE SUMMARY

'salient quality' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an obvious or noteworthy trait of something. For example, "The most salient quality of the Blackbird is its remarkable speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Romney's salient quality is not wealth.

The New York Times

The salient quality of the Dvorak was its almost total lack of tension.

The New York Times - Arts

Walter's most salient quality, besides his love of Patty, was his niceness.

The New Yorker

This is perhaps the most salient quality in his body of work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Beyond his gifts for invention and innovation, perhaps his most salient quality was his capacity for enjoyment.

The New York Times

Mr. Rihm leans heavily on Beethoven's motivic development techniques, but the piece's salient quality is its quirky dance between neo-Romantic lushness and dark, modern angularity.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Their salient qualities are concealed by fillets that are bony and withered, more like fragments of prehistoric fish.

The New York Times - Food

But some changes are coming that may attack two of the three salient qualities of the tiny country: its banking laws and the grand duke himself.

The New York Times

One of the salient qualities of life in London, remarked on by long-term residents, by newcomers and by tourists, in short by everybody, is how expensive everything is.

The Guardian

Its playing was unified, focused and fresh, no doubt because those were also the salient qualities of Mr. Jansons's approach to the three repertory staples that made up his program.

The New York Times

Serious fiction works by demanding the painstaking recreation of reality, or rather what the author sees as reality's salient qualities; the payoff is that one is then able to comment widely on types of people and habits of mind that are both varied and real.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "salient quality" to concisely summarize the primary attribute of an object, person, or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "salient quality" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct language such as "key trait" or "main feature" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "salient quality" functions as a noun phrase, where 'salient' modifies 'quality'. It describes a specific characteristic or attribute that is particularly noticeable or important. Ludwig's examples show it used to identify key features across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "salient quality" is a grammatically sound phrase used to pinpoint the most noticeable or significant attribute of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is accepted in written English. Though not overly common, it appears most frequently in news, scientific and business contexts. When writing, it's best practice to employ this phrase when you wish to emphasize a defining characteristic. Be mindful that "salient quality" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "key trait" or "main feature" in those cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable quality

This alternative emphasizes the quality being worthy of attention or easily observed.

fundamental quality

This alternative highlights the quality being basic or essential.

predominant quality

This alternative suggests that the quality is the most noticeable or influential.

eminent quality

This alternative denotes a quality of high rank or distinction.

outstanding quality

This alternative emphasizes the quality being exceptionally good or noticeable.

main quality

This alternative directly points to the quality as being the primary or most important one.

distinguished quality

This alternative highlights that the quality is notable and sets something apart.

conspicuous quality

This alternative suggests the quality is very easy to notice or observe.

noticeable quality

This alternative directly states that the quality is easily observed.

distinctive quality

This alternative emphasizes that the quality differentiates something from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "salient quality" to highlight the most important or noticeable attribute of something. For example, "The "salient quality" of the product is its durability".

What are some alternatives to "salient quality"?

You can use alternatives like "notable quality", "fundamental quality", or "predominant quality" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "important quality" or "salient quality"?

"Salient quality" implies that the quality is not only important but also easily noticeable or prominent. "Important quality" simply emphasizes the significance. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Can "salient quality" be used to describe a negative trait?

Yes, "salient quality" can describe either positive or negative traits, as long as they are the most noticeable or prominent aspects. For instance, "The "salient quality" of the design was its impracticality".