shared characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shared characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quality or trait that is common among a group of people, objects, or concepts. Example: "One shared characteristic of successful leaders is their ability to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is their most important shared characteristic and the central lesson of this report.

The Guardian - Business

All of them had that sort of shared characteristic of spanning cultures, which I think strengthened our friendships".

The Guardian

The shared characteristic of the various pleasures of sight, Bridget Riley once said, is that "they take you by surprise".

The Guardian - Arts

With five weeks to go, both milestones seem equally likely, and with at least one shared characteristic: each team's most valuable player is a quarterback.

The New Yorker

The adjective ungeheuren means "huge", the noun Ungeziefer some form of "creepy-crawly" but also "vermin" – obviously more suggestive of rodents than insects, yet applicable to both, the shared characteristic being pestilent, repugnant qualities.

The Guardian - Books

"Hate crimes instill fear in those who have no connection to the victim other than a shared characteristic such as race or sexual orientation," Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Vermont and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said afterward.

The New York Times

In some emerging markets, there are budget deficits (e.g., in India and Brazil), but the generally shared characteristic of shaky countries is current account deficits – the country is buying more from the world than it is selling.

The New York Times

Apart from the shared characteristic of not being directly in contact with something called reality, science and religion are different in many, familiar ways, and by and large the differences correspond to the tasks we typically ask them to perform.

The New York Times

In a troubling week for long-suffering fans and overstocked merchandising companies alike, the Sugababes have gained admittance to a small, strange subset of acts, whose only shared characteristic is a desire to continue working, despite containing none of their original members.

The Guardian - Music

Nina Khrushcheva, a professor of international studies and associate dean at the New School, noted a shared characteristic in the two men: that of a tough authoritarian leader, or put another way, a schoolyard tough refusing to back down from a fight (an image Mr. Putin himself has used to describe his childhood).

The New York Times

The largest shared characteristic of the families was, in fact, that the mother had mental health problems.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing diverse subjects, use "shared characteristic" to clearly identify a commonality. This helps establish a basis for comparison and understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "shared characteristic" directly causes an outcome. Just because two things share a trait doesn't mean one influences the other. Always look for evidence of a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shared characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a quality or attribute that is common among multiple entities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shared characteristic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to denote a common attribute among different entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use spans across diverse fields, from scientific research to news reporting, highlighting its versatility and precision in identifying commonalities. While alternatives such as "common attribute" or "mutual trait" exist, "shared characteristic" offers a straightforward and widely accepted way to establish connections and comparisons in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common attribute

Focuses on a quality or feature that is typical among members of a group.

mutual trait

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the feature among those sharing it.

shared feature

Highlights a specific aspect or element that is common.

common denominator

Implies a basic element or aspect that is universally present.

ubiquitous quality

Stresses the widespread presence of a trait.

universal property

Indicates a characteristic inherent to all members of a set.

prevalent attribute

Indicates that a particular trait is widespread or common.

recurring motif

Suggests a pattern or element that repeats across different instances.

collective aspect

Emphasizes that the attribute is observed across a group.

typical element

Refers to a characteristic regularly encountered within a group.

FAQs

How can I use "shared characteristic" in a sentence?

Use "shared characteristic" to describe a trait or feature that is common to multiple entities or subjects. For example, "One "shared characteristic" of successful entrepreneurs is their willingness to take risks."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "shared characteristic"?

Alternatives include "common attribute", "mutual trait", or "common denominator". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "shared characteristic" in formal writing?

Yes, "shared characteristic" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and precise way to describe a commonality, making it appropriate for academic, business, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "shared characteristic" and "common feature"?

While similar, "shared characteristic" often implies a more fundamental or inherent quality, whereas "common feature" can refer to a more superficial or easily observable aspect. The choice depends on the specific nature of the commonality you are describing.