traits

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "traits" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe a particular quality or characteristic of a person. For example, you could say: "The main traits of a successful leader are good communication skills and the ability to motivate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A growing number of studies certainly show they're convinced that it's their inbred talents that make them wealthy and successful – and that if the rest of us don't share their status, it's simply because we don't share their traits.

The Guardian - Money

Western-style adoptions and cross-cultural families are rare in Qatar, and a report by Qatari police earlier raised questions about why the Huangs, who are of Asian descent, would adopt children who did not share their "hereditary traits".

The Guardian

In the deeply troubling phenomenon of suburban jihadists, young people with narcissistic traits may also be attracted to what terrorism expert Raphaello Pantucci calls "jihadi cool".

The Guardian

Because their gender roles involved a mixture of both masculine and feminine traits, two-spirit persons could do both the work of men and of women.

The Guardian - Music

No, the core characteristics of the new He-Man are deduction, humour, acuity, forethought; it is an un-gendered sweep of traits that boil down to intelligence.

The Guardian - Film

Traits that correlated more closely in non-identical twins compared with identical twins indicated a greater influence of environmental factors.

The Guardian

But while in psychotic patients these traits are too pathological to allow creativity, in a healthy individual they can contribute towards brilliance and inspiration".

The Guardian

At the pope's general audience this week he outlined the traits of a good father and told a story to illustrate.

The Guardian - Opinion

'High Art' was perceived by the majority as desiccated, pretentious, irrelevant bullshit - a symbol of the worst traits of the posher classes - while on the other hand the demotic and popular pieces of art that spoke to this majority were regularly demeaned as being formally simplistic, or dismissed as sentimentally inclined, as if this were a fault in itself.

The Guardian - Film

Researchers identified five key traits of a well-managed marine park – no fish take, well enforced, established for longer than 10 years, larger than 100 square km and isolated by deep water or sand.

The Guardian

If these traits continue to define it, then hope remains that the digital dark age can be prevented.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traits" when describing inherent or distinguishing qualities of a person, object, or concept. Be specific and provide context to clarify the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "traits" without providing specific examples or clear context. Saying someone has "good traits" is vague. Instead, specify which traits, such as "leadership traits" or "positive personality traits", you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "traits" is a noun, typically used in the plural form to denote a collection of characteristics or qualities that define a person, object, or concept. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traits" functions as a noun used to describe qualities or characteristics of a person, object, or concept. It is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. As Ludwig confirms, it’s a versatile term suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "traits", be specific to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as ""characteristics"" or "attributes" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristics

Direct synonym for "traits", referring to distinguishing qualities.

attributes

Similar to "traits", emphasizing inherent qualities or features.

features

Refers to notable aspects or parts that distinguish something.

qualities

Highlights the nature or essence of something, similar to "traits".

properties

Focuses on inherent or distinctive characteristics.

aspects

Describes a particular feature or element of something.

elements

Refers to basic parts or components that define something.

peculiarities

Emphasizes unique or unusual characteristics.

idiosyncrasies

Highlights distinctive and individual qualities.

distinguishing features

More descriptive, emphasizing features that set something apart.

FAQs

How to use "traits" in a sentence?

You can use "traits" to describe characteristics or qualities. For example, "Honesty and kindness are desirable "characteristics"."

What can I say instead of "traits"?

You can use alternatives like ""characteristics"", "attributes", or "features" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "traits" or "characteristics"?

"Traits" and ""characteristics"" are often interchangeable, but "traits" can sometimes imply more inherent or distinguishing qualities.

What's the difference between "traits" and "qualities"?

"Traits" often refer to specific, identifiable characteristics, while "qualities" can be more general and encompass the overall nature of something.