are characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are characterised by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the defining characteristics or qualities of something. Example: The city's vibrant culture and bustling streets are characterised by a diverse range of cuisines and lively music scene.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The systems are characterised by:.

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

They are characterised by tormented conscience and by resilience.

The Guardian - Books

Adolescents are characterised by frequent snack consumption.

Food Quality and Preference

Research projects are characterised by synergistic participation with Industry and Research Institutes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Al Qaida's attacks are characterised by total disregard for innocent lives, including Muslims.

Yale University

Research designs are characterised by a certain combination of knowledge aims and strategies for data production.

Stanford University

Gongbi paintings are characterised by meticulous brushwork and highly coloured palettes.

Harvard University

Piezoelectric stacks are characterised by very good dynamic properties.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Gauge theories are characterised by long range interactions.

Annals of Physics

Crops and cropping systems are characterised by complexity and variability.

European Journal of Agronomy

All channels are characterised by erosional incision into underlying deposits.

Marine and Petroleum Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are characterised by", ensure that the characteristics you are describing are indeed defining features and not just incidental attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "are characterised by" to express subjective opinions or personal preferences. Instead, reserve it for describing objective, verifiable qualities. For instance, instead of saying "The movie is characterised by its boring plot," use "The movie features a slow-paced plot."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are characterised by" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to its defining attributes. It introduces descriptive qualities, highlighting key aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are characterised by" is a versatile phrase used to define and describe the key attributes of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in scientific, news media, and academic contexts, this phrase lends itself to formal and neutral communication. When employing "are characterised by", ensure you're highlighting definitive features. While alternatives like "are defined by" or "are known for" exist, the choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "are characterised by" to provide clarity and insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are defined by

This alternative focuses on the defining qualities of something, similar to highlighting key characteristics but with a stronger emphasis on formal definition.

are distinguished by

This option emphasizes the unique features that set something apart from others, concentrating on differentiation.

are known for

This phrase highlights the well-recognized qualities or reputation of something, focusing on public perception.

are marked by

This suggests that something exhibits noticeable signs or features, often implying a distinctive pattern or trait.

are notable for

Similar to "are known for", this highlights prominent or significant qualities, with a focus on importance.

are typified by

This indicates that something serves as a typical example or representation, focusing on common instances.

are indicative of

This suggests that something serves as a sign or symptom of a particular condition or quality, concentrating on diagnostic features.

are representative of

This highlights that something is a typical example or sample of a larger group or category, focusing on generalizability.

feature

This is a shorter, more concise way to say that something contains some notable qualities.

exhibit

This verb focuses on the demonstration or display of particular qualities or behaviors.

FAQs

How can I use "are characterised by" in a sentence?

Use "are characterised by" to describe the key features or attributes of a subject. For example, "Ecosystems "are characterised by" the pathways of energy moving through food webs from producers to consumers."

What phrases can I use instead of "are characterised by"?

Alternatives include "are defined by", "are known for", or "are marked by", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are characterised by" or "are characterized by"?

"Are characterised by" is the British English spelling, while "are characterized by" is the American English spelling. Choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience.

What's the difference between "are characterised by" and "are caused by"?

"Are characterised by" describes the features of something, while "are caused by" indicates the reason or origin of something. For instance, "Mitochondrial diseases "are characterised by" ragged red fibers," but "The accident "was caused by" the driver's negligence."