can be characterized as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be characterized as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe qualities or attributes of a person, place, thing, or situation. For example: The challenges of teaching during a pandemic can be characterized as unprecedented.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The aerosol at the site can be characterized as well mixed urban background aerosol.

Atmospheric Environment

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of them can be characterized as natural, while others are clearly not, he said.

The New York Times - Food

Many areas of law can be characterized as both "set aside" and regulatory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Broadly speaking, the two types of attention can be characterized as focal and automatic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, not all online learning can be characterized as failing its students.

The New York Times

The debate turns on whether diseases like cancer can be characterized as emergencies, or "epidemics".

The New York Times

These rhythms, though tightly structured, can be characterized as occasional or conversational.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, properties can be characterized as predicables.

SEP

This property can be characterized as follows.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Moreover, can be characterized as (3.1).

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be characterized as" to provide a concise and informative description of something's key attributes or qualities. This phrase is useful for summarizing complex information or presenting a specific interpretation.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions with "can be characterized as". Balance its use with active voice to make your writing more dynamic and engaging. For instance, instead of "The problem can be characterized as complex", try "One might characterize the problem as complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be characterized as" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It is used to attribute certain qualities or features to a subject, providing a way to summarize or interpret its nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be characterized as" is a versatile descriptive verb phrase commonly employed to provide a concise and informative summary of a subject's qualities or attributes. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. Analysis of usage data reveals it is frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, fitting a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use the phrase to introduce an interpretation or summary, while avoiding overuse of passive voice. Alternatives such as "can be described as" or "can be defined as" can provide nuanced options. Its prevalence across diverse authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be described as

Focuses on providing a description, potentially more general than a characterization.

can be defined as

Emphasizes a formal definition, suitable for technical or precise contexts.

can be regarded as

Suggests a particular viewpoint or perception.

can be seen as

Highlights a way of interpreting something, implying subjectivity.

can be considered as

Suggests a more deliberate process of evaluation or thought.

can be identified as

Focuses on recognizing or pinpointing specific qualities or features.

can be labeled as

Implies assigning a specific category or classification.

can be classified as

Focuses on placing something into a specific group or type.

can be understood as

Emphasizes comprehension and interpretation within a specific framework.

may be viewed as

Offers an alternative perspective, often suggesting a degree of subjectivity or interpretation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be characterized as" is used to describe the key attributes or qualities of something. For example, "The current economic climate "can be characterized as" uncertain".

What can I say instead of "can be characterized as"?

You can use alternatives like "can be described as", "can be defined as", or "can be regarded as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be characterized as" or "is characterized as"?

"Can be characterized as" implies a possibility or potential for a particular description, while "is characterized as" presents it as a definitive and established attribute. Choose the phrase that best reflects the certainty and context of your statement.

What's the difference between "can be characterized as" and "can be classified as"?

"Can be characterized as" focuses on describing the qualities or features of something, while "can be classified as" emphasizes placing it into a specific category or group. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting attributes or categorization.