being characterised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being characterised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the qualities or features that define a person, object, or concept. Example: "The novel is being characterised by its intricate plot and deep character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A dictionary would define mercurial as something being characterised by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood.

The Guardian - Sport

"He is stunned that his action is being characterised as terrorism," she said.

Independent

Seemingly it's the thought of being characterised as a centaur among eggheads that irks him.

Independent

In popular culture, the manic phase of bipolar disorder is often portrayed as being characterised by elevated mood and creativity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nowadays, the idea of Mandela being characterised as demonic is almost unthinkable, but when he was first imprisoned even Amnesty refused to support him.

The Guardian

Your approach in office however is described, by the bank, as being characterised by a renewed focus on inclusivity, poverty reduction and tackling corruption.

The Guardian

Being characterised as a refusenik certainly could damage a company's brand, Hales said, but this could be countered by clear communication explaining why a company has opted out.

The Guardian

His new organisation, described in one account as being "characterised by the ultra-left posturing and Mao worship", was called the Workers Institute of Marxism-Leninism-Maoo Zedong Thought.

The Guardian

However, after the launch of the site, concern was expressed by all three Baltic states – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania – about being characterised as belonging to a "New East network".

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the research being characterised by Moorhead as a "patronising, naive, ill-thought gesture", the first women eligible for the vouchers in Sheffield and Chesterfield are asking to join the scheme.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everyday people who are riding bikes for health, employment, education or just plain enjoyment, are being characterised as a menace to society people who require surveillance, supervision and control," it said in a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being characterised", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who or what is doing the characterising. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Overusing "being characterised" can lead to passive voice constructions. To maintain clarity and impact, consider active voice alternatives where appropriate. For example, instead of "the project is being characterised by delays", try "delays are characterising the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being characterised" functions as part of a verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates that something is having certain characteristics attributed to it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being characterised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the qualities or features that define something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To improve writing, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the characterising and be mindful of overusing passive voice constructions. Alternatives such as "being described" or "being defined" can offer more directness depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being described

Focuses more on the act of description rather than the assignment of characteristics.

being defined

Emphasizes setting boundaries or limits, implying a more precise or formal definition.

being portrayed

Highlights the representation or depiction of something, often in a creative or artistic context.

being labeled

Indicates the assignment of a specific category or classification, often with potential connotations.

being identified

Focuses on recognizing or establishing the identity of something or someone.

being considered

Emphasizes the act of contemplation or evaluation, suggesting a more thoughtful assessment.

being regarded

Highlights the opinion or estimation that someone holds about something.

being viewed

Focuses on the perspective or angle from which something is observed or understood.

being known as

Indicates a common or established name or title for something.

being recognised as

Emphasizes the acknowledgement or acceptance of something's status or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "being characterised" in a sentence?

Use "being characterised" to describe the defining qualities or features of something. For example, "The research is being characterised by its innovative approach".

What are some alternatives to "being characterised"?

You can use alternatives such as "being described", "being defined", or "being portrayed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "being characterised"?

While "being characterised" is often used in the passive voice, consider using the active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "the situation is being characterised by uncertainty", try "uncertainty characterises the situation".

What's the difference between "being characterised" and "being described"?

"Being characterised" implies that specific qualities or attributes are defining something, while "being described" simply means that something is being explained or depicted. The former is more about inherent traits, the latter about representation.