be characterised as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be characterised as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing or defining the nature or qualities of something or someone. Example: "The novel can be characterised as a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not, and cannot be characterised as, regulation of the press.

The Guardian

Numerical identity can be characterised, as just done, as the relation everything has to itself and to nothing else.

SEP

The soil developed on glacial till and can be characterised as well weathered, slightly acidic brown earth.

Environmental Sciences Europe

On the whole, the economic situation of returnees can be characterised as difficult.

BMC Psychiatry

Economic slowdowns can often be characterised as periods of hesitation.

The Guardian - Business

The Mandelas cannot be characterised as a political dynasty.

The Guardian

Can a film festival be characterised as digital or analogue?

The Guardian

Chipperfield's architecture can be characterised as elemental rather than simply Modern.

The Guardian - Arts

Mainly, though, Katie can be characterised as telly's most will-this-do?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While she accepted such information was personal, she said it could "barely" be characterised as such.

The Guardian

This new way of thinking might now be characterised as "deep" or "radical" ecology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be characterised as" to provide a comprehensive description of something, highlighting its most important attributes or qualities. Ensure the characterization is supported by evidence or examples.

Common error

Avoid using "be characterised as" with vague or overly broad descriptions. Always strive for specific and detailed characterizations to provide meaningful insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be characterised as" functions as a passive construction used to describe or define the qualities or nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English, serving to provide an in-depth characterization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be characterised as" is a versatile tool for providing in-depth descriptions and assessments, suitable for various formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its frequent use across diverse sources underscores its importance in effective communication. While "be characterised as" is grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to employ it with specificity. As demonstrated by examples found by Ludwig, the phrase helps to provide a summary of qualities in variety of sources. Alternatives like "be described as" or "be defined as" offer subtle shifts in emphasis, and choosing the right phrase can significantly enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be described as

Focuses more on providing a descriptive account rather than highlighting inherent qualities.

be defined as

Emphasizes a precise and formal definition.

be considered as

Suggests a subjective evaluation or opinion.

be regarded as

Similar to 'be considered as' but implies a more widely held opinion.

be known as

Highlights common recognition or familiarity.

be classified as

Focuses on categorizing something based on specific criteria.

be labeled as

Implies assigning a specific designation or tag.

be viewed as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or interpretation.

be deemed as

Suggests a judgment or official decision.

be identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or distinguishing something.

FAQs

How can I use "be characterised as" in a sentence?

You can use "be characterised as" to describe the main qualities or features of something. For example, "The political climate could "be characterised as" tense due to the ongoing negotiations."

What's the difference between "be characterised as" and "be described as"?

"Be characterised as" implies a more in-depth analysis and summary of qualities, while "be described as" simply provides a description without necessarily highlighting the core characteristics.

What are some alternatives to "be characterised as"?

Some alternatives include "be defined as", "be considered as", and "be regarded as", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding formality and subjectivity.

Is it correct to use "be characterized as" in formal writing?

Yes, "be characterised as" is appropriate for formal writing. It is frequently used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to provide a detailed and analytical description.