be characterized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be characterized by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate an essential quality or property of something. For example: "The music of the 1920s was characterized by its energetic rhythms and lively atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peasant agriculture is often said to be characterized by inertia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now California can be characterized by its stylistic diversity.

The New York Times - Food

The industry has also come to be characterized by outsourcing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New York bathrooms used to be characterized by their cramped confines and malodorous atmosphere.

The New York Times - Food

Her husband has bipolar disorder, a mental illness that can be characterized by extreme mood swings.

The New York Times

The season of over-indulgence should ultimately be characterized by self-denial.

The Guardian - Opinion

His jurisprudence as Chief Justice, Roberts said, would be characterized by "modesty and humility".

The New Yorker

"At times," he told the paper, "American warfare can be characterized by an overwhelming arrogance".

The New York Times

Dr. Steven Kresovich, a plant breeder at Cornell, said, "Genes should be characterized by function, not origin.

The New York Times - Health

As with many video games, the additional levels will be characterized by different graphics, colors and music.

The New York Times - Arts

"You think that terrorists aren't aware of how easy it is to be characterized by ethnicity?" Kelly went on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be characterized by" to highlight the most prominent or defining features of a subject, ensuring these features are essential to its nature or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "be characterized by" to describe incidental or non-essential details. This phrase is most effective when highlighting core, defining attributes rather than superficial aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be characterized by" functions as a linking verb followed by a past participle and a preposition, serving to attribute specific qualities or features to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

22%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be characterized by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the key attributes of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, including science, news, encyclopedias, and general writing. As this phrase indicates essential qualities, avoid using it for minor or incidental details. Alternatives such as "be defined by" or "be distinguished by" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, enriching your writing with precision and clarity. Remember to use "be characterized by" when you aim to highlight the most prominent and defining features, providing readers with a clear understanding of your subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be defined by

Replaces "characterized" with "defined", focusing on essential qualities but emphasizing clear boundaries or limits.

be distinguished by

Emphasizes unique features that set something apart, rather than general characteristics.

be marked by

Highlights notable or prominent features that are easy to observe.

be typified by

Focuses on features that are representative or exemplary of a broader category.

be known for

Highlights features that are widely recognized or famous.

be recognized by

Focuses on features that allow something to be identified or classified.

be featured by

Highlights prominent or significant aspects.

be associated with

Connects something with specific traits, behaviors, or qualities.

be emblematic of

Highlights how something serves as a symbol or representation of something else.

be reflective of

Emphasizes how something mirrors or indicates specific qualities or conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "be characterized by" to describe the main attributes or qualities of something. For example, "The Renaissance can "be characterized by" a renewed interest in classical art and literature".

What are some alternatives to "be characterized by"?

You can use alternatives such as "be defined by", "be distinguished by", or "be marked by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be characterized by" or "be defined by"?

"Be characterized by" highlights typical or notable features, while "be defined by" suggests that these features are essential and determine the nature of the subject. The best choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "be characterized by" and "be associated with"?

"Be characterized by" implies that certain traits are typical and central to the subject, whereas "be associated with" simply means there's a connection or relationship, which may not be as defining.