are marked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are marked by" is grammatically correct in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a specific object or situation is characterised by a certain quality. For example: "Successful relationships are marked by trust and mutual understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nearly all are marked by facial contortions.

The New York Times - Arts

Critics say these elections are marked by apathy.

The Guardian

Both are marked by an inability to stop.

The New Yorker

On the prairie, you are marked by the weather.

The New York Times - Science

Nino Bertasio's hands are marked by small hardened callouses.

The Guardian - Sport

Some checkpoints are marked by signs and lights.

The New York Times

Their domestic habits are marked by a sense of fragility.

The New Yorker

Transitions are marked by animations of swirling smoke.

The New York Times - Arts

Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus) and histoplasmosis (Histoplasma) are marked by respiratory distress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nodes are marked by often prominent and ringlike leaf scars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expansions are marked by sizeable growth in assets and debt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are marked by", ensure the characteristic you're highlighting is a clear and defining attribute of the subject. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are marked by" for vague or overly broad characteristics. Instead, focus on specific, observable traits to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are marked by" functions as a linking verb construction, connecting a subject with a characteristic or attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively illustrates defining qualities. For example, Ludwig shows sentences like "Transitions are marked by animations of swirling smoke."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are marked by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight the distinguishing characteristics of a subject. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is widely employed across various domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. It functions as a linking verb construction, connecting a subject with its attributes, and its register varies from neutral to formal depending on the source. To ensure clarity, it's best to use this phrase with specific and observable traits, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases include "are characterized by", "are distinguished by", and "are defined by", each offering slightly different nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are characterized by

This alternative focuses on the defining characteristics of something, similar to "are marked by".

are defined by

Suggests that certain qualities or characteristics are essential to the nature or identity of something.

are distinguished by

This phrase emphasizes the unique features that set something apart, akin to being marked by a specific trait.

are identified by

This alternative highlights the features used to recognize or identify something.

are signified by

This phrase focuses on the signaling of certain aspects through particular qualities or features.

are known for

This phrase suggests a common or well-recognized attribute, similar to a defining mark.

are typified by

This focuses on something being a typical example, showing characteristics that "are marked by".

are recognized through

This alternative indicates that specific traits allow for the identification of something.

are featured with

This alternative means that something is equipped with certain features.

are highlighted by

Emphasizes how certain aspects draw attention to particular qualities or characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "are marked by" to indicate that something has distinct characteristics. For instance, "Successful projects "are marked by careful planning"".

What are some alternatives to "are marked by"?

You can use alternatives such as "are characterized by", "are distinguished by", or "are defined by" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is marked by" instead of "are marked by"?

Yes, the verb form changes depending on whether the subject is singular or plural. Use "is marked by" for singular subjects and "are marked by" for plural subjects.

What's the difference between "are marked by" and "are known for"?

"Are marked by" highlights specific, often inherent, traits, while "are known for" emphasizes widely recognized or celebrated attributes. The former is about features; the latter, reputation.