showing traits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showing traits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing characteristics or behaviors that are evident in a person, animal, or object. Example: "The study focused on showing traits of resilience in the participants during challenging situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(This week, the show moves to its regular time, Wednesdays at 9 p.m.) "Criminal Minds" introduces a few new variables into this hit-making formula: some of the good guys are showing traits often ascribed to bad guys.

The New York Times - Arts

After I left the banker and proceeded to work, I saw three other cyclists showing traits that should have interested their HR departments.

BBC

"What excites me about the girls in particular is that they are showing traits that it took me years to learn," says 1998 European 100m champion Darren Campbell.

BBC

Normal cells showing traits of division do not undergo reaction with this substrate.

BioMed Research International

Finally, ornamental sunflowers commonly grown in gardens and showing traits such as branching and anthocyan pigmentation could have escaped and/or pollinated volunteer populations (S4).

Evolutionary Applications

doi: 10.7554/eLife.00961 Image Different evolutionary paths showing traits being added to an initial phenotype (bottom left) in different orders Convergent evolution is the independent appearance of similar traits or biological innovations in different evolutionary lineages.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Fig. 4 Box plots showing trait means and variances associated with O. sativa subpopulations.

Rice

Further, adding eQTL analyses for transcripts showing trait dependent expression enables addressing genes, which show trait associated expression, map to pQTL regions, and exhibit cis regulation.

BMC Genomics

"It's the area that shows traits associated with feeling and emotion".

The New York Times - Style

But he has also shown traits that have eased his path, like the ability to plunge into a subject with a surgeon's focus, a hunger to win and a powerful ambition.

The New York Times

Hitler already showed traits that characterized his later life: loneliness and secretiveness, a bohemian mode of everyday existence, and hatred of cosmopolitanism and of the multinational character of Vienna.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject, use precise language to specify which "traits" are being "shown". This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "showing traits" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying something is simply "showing traits", elaborate on the specific traits it exhibits. For example, instead of 'The plant is showing traits', specify 'The plant is showing traits of drought resistance'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing traits" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "showing" acts as a present participle modifying "traits". According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the act of displaying or exhibiting certain characteristics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "showing traits" is grammatically correct and used to describe the act of displaying or exhibiting characteristics. According to Ludwig, while generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "exhibiting characteristics" might be preferred in academic or scientific contexts. It appears most frequently in Science and News & Media. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify the traits being shown to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibiting characteristics

Replaces "showing" with a more formal synonym, "exhibiting".

displaying features

Substitutes both words with synonyms, focusing on visual representation.

demonstrating attributes

Uses "demonstrating" to emphasize proof of qualities.

presenting qualities

Highlights the act of making qualities known.

manifesting properties

Implies an outward expression of inherent properties.

revealing aspects

Focuses on uncovering hidden or less obvious aspects.

indicating signs

Suggests early signals or indicators of traits.

giving evidence of traits

Emphasizes providing proof or confirmation of traits.

portraying characteristics

Implies a deliberate presentation or image of traits.

reflecting qualities

Highlights how traits mirror or correspond to inner nature.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "showing traits" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "exhibiting characteristics", "displaying features", or "demonstrating attributes" to add nuance to your writing.

Is it more formal to say "exhibiting traits" instead of "showing traits"?

Yes, "exhibiting traits" generally carries a more formal tone compared to "showing traits", which is more neutral and commonly used.

What does it mean when someone says an animal is "showing traits" of domestication?

It implies that the animal is displaying behaviors or physical characteristics that are associated with being domesticated, such as increased docility or altered physical features.

In scientific writing, is "showing traits" appropriate?

While acceptable, in scientific writing, it's often better to use more precise terms like "exhibiting characteristics" or "manifesting properties" to maintain a formal and technical tone.