be characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be characterised by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the defining features or qualities of something. Example: "The region is often characterised by its diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new world of banking should be characterised by transparency, speed and accessibility.

The Guardian - Money

He cautioned that without action on integration, Britain's society would be characterised by "ugly" divisions.

Independent

Eichmann's evasiveness seems to be characterised by what Kierkegaard called "a dialectical interplay between knowing and willing".

The Guardian - Opinion

He believes it will be characterised by decentralisation, bottom-up change, flat organisations and networks, systems thinking, flexibility and collaboration.

The Guardian

But why must the build-up to Remembrance Day be characterised by these incredibly cheapening, confected rows?

The Guardian - Sport

His career could be characterised by a willingness to wade knee-deep into situations that others would rather tiptoe around.

The Guardian - Film

The Turnbull era was, after all, supposed to be characterised by "respecting the intelligence of the electorate".

The Guardian

Friendships, when illuminated, tend to be characterised by rivalry, betrayal and the complicated nodes of identification and desire.

The Guardian - Books

According to Reuters he said: This year seems to be characterised by less macroeconomic uncertainty compared to previous years.

The Guardian - Business

Haneke's funerals would be characterised by quiet dignity, devastating but understated tragedy, and the ever-present threat of violence.

The Guardian - Film

Given the uncertainty and wealth of central bank influence, it is likely that today's trading will be characterised by substantial volatility and choppiness.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be characterised by", ensure that the qualities you are attributing are central and consistently present in the subject. This enhances clarity and avoids misrepresentation.

Common error

Avoid using "be characterised by" for minor or infrequent attributes. Focus on aspects that are consistently and significantly associated with the subject to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be characterised by" functions as a linking verb construction used to ascribe defining attributes or qualities to a subject. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for describing essential characteristics, as demonstrated in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be characterised by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for delineating the defining attributes of a subject. According to Ludwig, its versatility spans across various contexts, with a notable presence in scientific and news-related domains. While it's important to ensure its application aligns with central and consistent qualities of the subject, its adaptability makes it a valuable asset in both formal and neutral registers. Remember to avoid overgeneralization to maintain accuracy, enhancing the clarity and credibility of your writing. The wide range of examples provided by Ludwig illustrates its usage, reinforcing its acceptance and utility in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be defined by

This phrase implies a stricter, more definitive quality than "be characterised by".

be known for

Focuses on the recognition or reputation associated with a particular attribute.

be distinguished by

Highlights unique and noticeable qualities that set something apart.

be marked by

Suggests a prominent or easily identifiable trait.

be typified by

Emphasizes qualities that are representative or typical of something.

feature

A more concise way to indicate a prominent attribute without the passive construction.

exhibit

Suggests a display or demonstration of particular characteristics.

possess

Indicates the presence of certain qualities or attributes.

demonstrate

Implies an active display of specific traits or behaviors.

be associated with

Indicates a common connection or relationship with certain features.

FAQs

What does "be characterised by" mean?

The phrase "be characterised by" means to have certain features or qualities that are typical or noticeable. It describes the defining attributes of a subject.

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

You can use "be characterised by" to describe the prominent features of a subject. For example, "The region is often characterised by its diverse wildlife".

What can I say instead of "be characterised by"?

You can use alternatives like "be defined by", "be known for", or "be distinguished by" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "be characterised by" and "be typified by"?

While both phrases are similar, "be characterised by" is more general, indicating prominent features. "Be typified by" suggests that the features are representative or typical of the subject.