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 characterized on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are characterized on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct preposition should be "by" instead of "on." Example: "These species are characterized by their unique adaptations to the environment."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Encyclopedias
Science & Research
Academia
News & Media
Wiki
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
21 human-written examples
The tribological properties of these new composites are characterized on a pin-on-disk tribometer.
Performances of this system are characterized on an existing turbulent swirl-stabilized combustion facility which exhibits strong unstable regimes.
The resulting nanoparticulate constructs are characterized on the basis of their syntheses, composition, spectra and contrast enhancing power.
Megafires are characterized on the basis of the meteorological and fire danger conditions prior to the event and those under which they develop.
Except for airborne lead, which is treated as a separate category (see below), they are characterized on the basis of size and phase (i.e., solid or liquid) rather than by chemical composition.
Encyclopedias
Strains are characterized on the basis of properties that are accessible to assay with existing methodologies such as receptor affinity of the viral receptor binding protein hemagglutinin (HA)27, enzymatic activity of neuraminidase (NA) or transcriptional activity of the viral polymerase.
Science & Research
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
39 human-written examples
In sequence-positive samples, microbiotas were characterized on the basis of their dominant microorganisms.More than one-half (51.1%; 93/182) of the participants' urine samples were sequence-positive.
Academia
The modified membranes were characterized on a scanning electron microscope at 5 keV.
Science & Research
It has never been characterized on a nationally representative scale.
But the way he's characterized on the cover of Vanity Fair is as "Germany's Head Nazi".
News & Media
The obtained products were characterized on an X-Ray powder diffractometer with Cu Kα radiation (λ = 1.5406 Å) (Shimadzu Corporation, Japan).
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the defining attributes of something, use "are characterized by" instead of "are characterized on" for grammatically correct phrasing.
Common error
Avoid using the preposition "on" with "are characterized". The correct usage is "are characterized by" to indicate the features or qualities that define something.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are characterized on" is typically intended to function as a passive verb phrase, aiming to describe how something is identified or defined. However, it is grammatically incorrect, as highlighted by Ludwig AI.
Frequent in
Science
55%
News & Media
15%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Science & Research
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are characterized on" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms that the correct phrasing is "are characterized by". While the phrase appears in various contexts, including scientific and news sources, its incorrect grammar makes it unsuitable for formal writing. Alternatives like "are defined by" or "are identified by" should be used instead. Remember to use "by" to indicate the attributes that define something.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are defined by
This alternative replaces "characterized on" with "defined by", emphasizing that something is determined by specific features.
are identified by
This option uses "identified by" to highlight the distinguishing traits or features that set something apart.
are distinguished by
Emphasizes unique traits using "distinguished by", suggesting a clear differentiation from others.
are known for
Switches to "known for" to indicate commonly recognized attributes or qualities.
are determined by
Focuses on the factors influencing or deciding something, using "determined by".
are marked by
Uses "marked by" to denote prominent characteristics or features that stand out.
are featured by
This option uses "featured by" to highlight specific aspects or qualities that are particularly prominent.
are typified by
Suggests that something is a representative example, using "typified by" to indicate characteristic traits.
are recognized through
This option highlights how something is identified or understood via particular attributes or methods.
are based on
Indicates that something relies on or is grounded in certain principles or criteria.
FAQs
How to correct the phrase "are characterized on"?
The correct phrase is "are characterized by". For example, instead of "These species are characterized on their habitat", you should say "These species "are characterized by" their habitat".
What can I say instead of "are characterized on"?
You can use alternatives like "are defined by", "are identified by", or "are known for" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "are characterized on" or "are characterized by"?
"Are characterized by" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Are characterized on" is not standard English.
What's the difference between "are characterized on" and "are characterized by"?
"Are characterized on" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. "Are characterized by" is the correct phrase to indicate that something is defined or described by certain features or qualities.
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
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested