be marked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be marked by" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a characteristic or event that is distinct or prominent in a particular situation or time period. Example: The 1920s was a decade that was marked by a sense of freedom and rebellion, with the rise of jazz music and women's rights.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Omar's tenure will also inevitably be marked by Trump's Presidency.

The New Yorker

The election will be marked by fraud and violence.

The Economist

The occasion will, rightly, be marked by governments and women's rights organisations across the world.

The Guardian

Ethnic pride also tends to be marked by childlike cravings for normalcy to mask shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

The week will also be marked by an infusion of talent from abroad.

The New York Times - Style

Yet the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination will not be marked by consensus.

The Guardian - Books

The coming year will be marked by a steady deterioration in the provision of justice.

The Guardian

Most of the course will be marked by the customary blue line on the road.

The New York Times - Sports

Prakash would like the date to be marked by another event, too.

The Guardian

That, he explained, will be marked by a sustained period of apathy — and quiet.

The New York Times

· The centennial will be marked by global celebrations - musicals, books, documentaries, exhibitions, ballets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be marked by", ensure that the characteristic is actually a defining or noticeable aspect of the subject, not just a minor detail. This strengthens the statement's impact and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "be marked by" to describe trivial or fleeting aspects. This dilutes the phrase's impact and can make your writing seem less precise. Instead, reserve it for significant, defining features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be marked by" functions as a linking verb followed by a past participle, indicating that a subject is notable or distinguished by a specific characteristic or event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be marked by" is a versatile phrase used to highlight defining characteristics or events. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Scientific writing. While it's generally neutral, reserve it for significant, defining features to maintain precision in your writing. Alternatives like ""be characterized by"" or ""be defined by"" can offer nuanced alternatives based on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be characterized by

Emphasizes typical qualities rather than specific events.

be defined by

Focuses on essential traits that determine the nature of something.

be distinguished by

Highlights unique attributes that set something apart.

be known for

Stresses a specific, often positive, attribute that something is famous for.

be typified by

Implies that something is a typical example or representative of a larger category.

be exemplified by

Shows a clear instance or example of something.

be identified by

Focuses on recognizing something based on specific features or signs.

be featured by

Highlights prominent aspects or elements.

be highlighted by

Emphasizes key points or significant details.

be represented by

Indicates that something serves as a symbol or embodiment of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "be marked by" to indicate a defining characteristic or event. For example, "The era was "be marked by" significant technological advancements".

What are some alternatives to "be marked by"?

Alternatives include "be characterized by", "be defined by", or "be distinguished by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be marked by" and "be known for"?

"Be marked by" highlights a characteristic, while "be known for" emphasizes a positive or well-recognized attribute. The former is more neutral, while the latter implies fame or reputation.

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

Both are valid, but ""be marked by"" often implies a specific event or period, while ""be characterized by"" focuses on typical qualities or traits. Choose based on the context you want to emphasize.