very characteristics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very characteristics" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to emphasize the traits or features of something, but the use of "very" in this context is awkward and incorrect. Example: "The very characteristics that define her leadership style are what make her an effective manager."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

These are the very characteristics that the Onion found ripe for lampooning.

The New Yorker

The very characteristics that make fads popular also contribute to their decline.

Harvard Business Review

No, because these technologies mainly reinforce the very characteristics that have long prevailed in managerial work.

Harvard Business Review

However, the very characteristics that found favour with the commentators made him unpopular with many teachers.

The Guardian

The very characteristics that account for hawala's success have made it an impenetrable haven for illicit and criminal transactions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At the time, I felt that the very characteristics that make a sportsman great are the ones that can destroy a marriage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He launches into a very characteristic stream of consciousness.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a very characteristic Dutch symbol," Dr. Zafran said.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is an extreme case," she says, "but it is also very characteristic".

The Guardian

This movement from irony to sincerity is a very characteristic one in young-ish American writers.

The Guardian - Books

"We also worked with folds that both hide and reveal, very characteristic of the Baroque period.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "very characteristics" appears frequently, it's grammatically awkward. Opt for stronger adjectives like "distinct", "essential", or "defining" for improved clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid relying on "very" as a general intensifier. It often weakens the writing. Instead, choose more precise adjectives that directly convey the intended degree of the characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very characteristics" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, aiming to emphasize specific traits or features. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, the construction is grammatically questionable and can be improved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very characteristics" is commonly found across various sources, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. However, it's important to note that this phrasing is considered grammatically incorrect. While its purpose is to emphasize specific attributes, the word "very" is often redundant and weakens the impact. As Ludwig AI suggests, consider replacing it with stronger adjectives like "essential", "defining", or "distinctive" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Opting for more specific and descriptive language will result in a more impactful and grammatically sound expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining traits

Replaces "characteristics" with "traits" and uses "defining" to emphasize the fundamental nature of the qualities.

essential qualities

Substitutes "characteristics" with "qualities" and employs "essential" to highlight core attributes.

distinctive features

Uses "features" instead of "characteristics" and "distinctive" to stress uniqueness.

notable attributes

Replaces "characteristics" with "attributes" and uses "notable" to point out prominent qualities.

key properties

Substitutes "characteristics" with "properties" and "key" to underscore important aspects.

significant aspects

Uses "aspects" instead of "characteristics" and "significant" to highlight importance.

primary attributes

Replaces "characteristics" with "attributes" and uses "primary" to indicate fundamental nature.

fundamental elements

Substitutes "characteristics" with "elements" and employs "fundamental" to stress basic components.

inherent qualities

Uses "qualities" instead of "characteristics" and "inherent" to emphasize intrinsic nature.

intrinsic properties

Replaces "characteristics" with "properties" and uses "intrinsic" to indicate inherent qualities.

FAQs

Is "very characteristics" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "very characteristics" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use stronger adjectives or rephrase to improve clarity.

What are some alternatives to "very characteristics"?

Consider using alternatives like "defining traits", "essential qualities", or "distinctive features" to convey the meaning more effectively.

How can I use more precise language instead of saying "very characteristics"?

Focus on identifying the specific qualities you want to emphasize. For example, instead of "very important characteristics", you could say "crucial aspects" or "vital components".

Why is "very characteristics" considered awkward?

The word "very" is often redundant and can weaken the impact of your writing. Using stronger, more descriptive adjectives creates a more vivid and precise image.