It was characterised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was characterised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the defining features or qualities of something in a past context. Example: "The project was characterised by its innovative approach and collaborative spirit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was characterised by two conflicting aims.

The Economist

It was characterised by clashes between the two on inheritance tax and spending cuts.

The Guardian

It was characterised by furious Liberal Democrat outrider Lord Oakeshott as a "weak, waffly aspiration with vast wiggle-room".

The Guardian - Business

It was characterised by the use of stone tools and weapons, which early hunters used for finding food.

The Guardian

It was characterised by numerous human rights abuses, including the murder of more than 1,000 prisoners – mainly political opponents – at the Abu Salim prison in 1996.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was characterised by TGA, DSC, FTIR spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is characterised by a fear of silence.

The Guardian - Books

It is characterised, like all her work, with love.

The Guardian

It's characterised by feeling optimistic, having more energy and feeling mentally sharper and more creative.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is characterised by changes in memory, behaviour and personality, difficulty thinking and reasoning.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's characterised by an acute fear that someone – anyone – is stealing your idea when it's just that, an idea, and is therefore unprotectable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was characterised", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "characterised" in an active voice construction (e.g., "The study characterised the sample."). The phrase "it was characterised" is a passive construction; to use the active voice, consider using 'defined', 'described', or 'identified'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "it was characterised" is to describe or define a subject's attributes or qualities. It's a passive construction, indicating that the subject received a specific characteristic or description. Ludwig confirms that it is valid in written english.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was characterised" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe something by highlighting its key features. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for describing defining features or qualities in a past context. It's frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure that the subject 'it' is clear and well-defined. Be mindful of the passive voice construction, and consider using active voice alternatives like "it defined" or "it described" when appropriate. Using the passive voice is acceptable in this case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was defined by

Replaces 'characterised' with 'defined', focusing on essential qualities.

it was marked by

Uses 'marked' instead of 'characterised', highlighting notable features.

it was known for

Emphasizes recognition rather than inherent traits.

it featured

Focuses on specific attributes that were present.

its defining feature was

Highlights a single, most important attribute.

it is typified by

Shifts the focus to a typical example or characteristic.

a hallmark of it was

Indicates a distinctive or recognizable trait.

it primarily involved

Highlights the main elements or components.

it consisted of

Specifies the components that made up the whole.

it was distinguished by

Emphasizes differences compared to other things.

FAQs

How can I use "It was characterised" in a sentence?

Use "It was characterised" to describe the notable qualities or features of something in the past. For example, "The era "it was characterised" by rapid technological advancements." Ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined.

What's a good alternative to "It was characterised"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was defined by", "it was marked by", or "it featured". These alternatives offer similar meanings while using different vocabulary.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "characterised"?

The phrase ""it was characterised"" is in the passive voice. While grammatically correct, consider using the active voice ('defined', 'described') for more direct and concise writing if appropriate.

What is the difference between "It was characterised by" and "It was distinguished by"?

"It was characterised by" describes the general qualities or features of something, while "it was distinguished by" emphasizes the unique or differentiating features that set it apart from others.