be characterized as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be characterized as' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe something in a certain way. For example, "The artwork was characterized as postmodern due to its use of bright, bold colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Zynga's problems, however, could be characterized as broader than just a weak quarter.

TechCrunch

Can this be characterized as a tax?

The New York Times

Indeed, neither could be characterized as shy.

The New York Times

Can it really be characterized as a renaissance?

The New York Times

Neither deserves to be characterized as "back-scratching".

The New York Times

"Some would be characterized as liberal, some as very conservative.

The New York Times

Pleurisy may be characterized as dry or wet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not all encounters with sharks can be characterized as "attacks".

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The look, complete with disheveled wisps of hair, might be characterized as Murdoch bohemian).

The New York Times

In Wall Street parlance, these investors would be characterized as trading the contracts "uncovered" or "naked".

The New York Times

One deadlock in every 100 votes can hardly be characterized as "routine".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be characterized as" when you want to convey a specific interpretation or attribute a quality to something based on certain criteria or evidence. Ensure the characterization is supported by context.

Common error

While "be characterized as" is grammatically sound, overuse can lead to wordy and less engaging writing. Consider active voice alternatives to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be characterized as" functions as a passive verb phrase used to assign a particular quality or attribute to a subject. Ludwig AI's examples show it's used to interpret or classify something based on specific features or traits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be characterized as" is a versatile phrase used to assign a particular quality or attribute to a subject, functioning as a passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, suitable for objective and analytical contexts. When using "be characterized as", ensure that the characterization is supported by evidence. Consider active voice alternatives to avoid overuse of the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be described as

Focuses more on the act of describing rather than the inherent characteristics.

be defined as

Emphasizes a formal or precise definition.

be regarded as

Highlights a particular opinion or view held by others.

be known as

Focuses on common knowledge or recognition.

be considered as

Implies a degree of deliberation or judgment.

be labeled as

Suggests a categorization or classification.

be classified as

Highlights systematic grouping based on shared attributes.

be seen as

Focuses on perception and how something is viewed.

be portrayed as

Emphasizes representation, often in media or art.

be identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or pointing out something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be characterized as" to describe or define something based on specific qualities or features. For example, "The novel can "be characterized as" a work of magical realism."

What phrases are similar to "be characterized as"?

Similar phrases include "be described as", "be defined as", or "be regarded as", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is there a difference between "be characterized as" and "be described as"?

"Be characterized as" often implies a deeper analysis or understanding leading to the description, whereas "be described as" is a more general term for providing details or qualities.

When is it appropriate to use "be characterized as" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "be characterized as" in formal writing when you want to present a specific interpretation or classification of a subject, supported by evidence or analysis.