Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are characterised upon
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are characterised upon" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used construction and may confuse readers. The correct preposition should be "by" instead of "upon." Example: "These species are characterised by their unique adaptations to the environment."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
In general, MSCs are characterised upon expression of a group of surface receptors and upon their multilineage potential [40].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Their tops are characterised by geomorphological surfaces upon which intensive periglacial activity took place.
Science
Patients with gastrointestinal food allergy are characterised by increased production of mast cell derived mediators upon allergen contact and present often with unspecific symptoms.
Science
Despite this variability, these proteins adopt upon folding comparable three-dimensional structures, that are characterised by an internal hydrophobic core supporting three protruding fingers [4].
Science
It is, however, not known if diabetic patients, who are characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction, are also able to restore intrinsic mitochondrial function upon exercise training.
Science
Many neurodegenerative disorders are characterised by intracellular inclusions of highly insoluble proteins, and a classification based upon the main protein component of these aggregates is widely used.
The various cores are characterised by their dependencies of through-thickness compressive strength and longitudinal tensile strength upon relative density.
In Maus the Jews are characterised as mice.
News & Media
Instead, Camus and Sartre are characterised as modish.
News & Media
The manufactured sensors are characterised.
Science
The systems are characterised by:.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "are characterised by" instead of "are characterised upon". The preposition "by" is the correct choice for indicating the attributes that define something.
Common error
Avoid using "upon" after "are characterised". The correct preposition is "by". Using "upon" in this context is grammatically incorrect and may confuse readers.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are characterised upon" functions as a descriptive expression, aiming to define or identify something based on specific attributes. However, Ludwig indicates that the preposition usage is incorrect, impacting the phrase's overall effectiveness.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
40%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "are characterised upon" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "are characterised by". Ludwig identifies this as a non-standard construction that may confuse readers. While the phrase attempts to describe and classify subjects based on certain attributes, its incorrect preposition usage detracts from its effectiveness and credibility. The phrase appears infrequently, primarily in scientific and news-related contexts, but should be avoided in favor of the grammatically correct alternative.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are characterised by
Replaces "upon" with "by", which is the correct and standard preposition to use in this context.
are defined by
Substitutes "characterised" with "defined", offering a more direct and common way to express the defining attributes of something.
are identified by
Uses "identified" instead of "characterised", focusing on the distinguishing features that allow something to be recognized.
are distinguished by
Emphasizes the unique qualities that set something apart, using "distinguished" in place of "characterised".
are marked by
Replaces "characterised" with "marked", highlighting the prominent features or signs that define something.
are known for
Focuses on the widely recognized attributes or qualities, using "known for" instead of "characterised upon".
are recognised by
Highlights the features that make something easily recognized, using "recognised" as an alternative to "characterised".
are typified by
Suggests that something serves as a typical example, using "typified" in place of "characterised upon".
are exemplified by
Indicates that something is a clear example of a particular quality or characteristic, replacing "characterised upon".
are featured with
Describes the notable aspects or elements that something includes, using "featured with" as an alternative.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say something is defined by certain traits?
The correct phrase is "are characterised by", not "are characterised upon". For example, "These species "are characterised by" their unique adaptations".
Which is correct, "are characterised by" or "are characterised upon"?
"Are characterised by" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Are characterised upon" is grammatically incorrect.
What can I say instead of "are characterised upon"?
You can use alternatives like "are defined by", "are identified by", or "are marked by" depending on the specific context.
How can I avoid mistakes when using the phrase "are characterised"?
Always remember to use the preposition "by" after "are characterised". Double-check your writing to ensure you haven't mistakenly used "upon" or another incorrect preposition.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested