categorized at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorized at" is not commonly used in written English and may not be the best choice.
It can be used when referring to the specific classification or grouping of something within a certain context, but "categorized as" is more standard. Example: "The species is categorized at the family level in the biological classification system."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other non-categorical predictor variables were categorized at a clinically accepted point (eg MMSE <10).

Plosone

Annual patient admission number created by the ICU-site × calendar-year interaction, was categorized at the median (711 patients); this categorization was further used to create "ICU-hospital/geographical area/size" descriptors (n = 35).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Since common objects are most often categorized at the basic level, a subordinate-level categorization might impose a more unfamiliar task demand leading to more brain regions being activated [as in 24].

Plosone

Thirty-five additional boxes from Mr. Bock are still being sorted and categorized at the library's annex in Clinton.

The New York Times

The yield response to IR-maize seed was categorized at two levels.

Crop Protection

He has pushed the idea that gender is not a matter of either-or with models who are not easily categorized at a glance.

The Washington Post

Notably, these effects were observed using the same objects categorized at different levels suggesting that visually categorizing objects at varying levels of abstraction engaged specific cognitive processes.

Cognitive Brain Research

This study emphasizes that HHW should be categorized at its source (residential households) as an important step toward controlling the HHW hazards of Chinese cities.

Waste Management

Scientists seeking to identify the virus are taking the utmost precautions as they work in highly secure laboratories categorized at the "three-plus" level, half a step below the maximum-security level-four labs.

The New York Times

On the other hand, antigay Web sites were typically classified under "religion" or not categorized at all and so were allowed through the filter.

The New York Times

Improvement opportunities at large global manufacturing companies are investigated; barriers hindering material efficiency improvement are identified and categorized at two levels; and strategies that have been deployed at manufacturing companies are reviewed.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether "categorized as" might be a more standard and easily understood alternative in many contexts. It often sounds more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "categorized at" without a clear reference to the specific level or criterion. Ensure that the 'at' preposition is followed by the specific category or level being referenced. For instance, clarify what is being classified and what levels it is being "categorized at".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorized at" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating the assignment of something to a particular category, level, or point within a classification system. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while less common than "categorized as", the phrase "categorized at" is grammatically acceptable, especially when referring to a specific level or point in a classification system. Ludwig suggests that "categorized as" is often a more standard alternative. The phrase is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts, reflecting a formal and structured approach to classification. Pay attention to using it when there is a specific context of categorization. If no context, use "categorized as" because it is easier to understand. When in doubt, exploring alternatives like "classified under" or "grouped within" can offer more precise and natural-sounding options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classified under

Focuses on the type or class something belongs to; emphasizes the act of classification.

grouped within

Emphasizes the act of gathering items into a specific group or category.

placed within

Highlights the act of physically or conceptually positioning something in a specific category.

assigned to

Focuses on the act of allocating something to a specific category or level.

identified within

Emphasizes the recognition and placement of something within a specific category.

level of classification

Highlights the hierarchical level at which something is categorized.

tiered according to

Emphasizes the arrangement of something in tiers based on a specific criterion.

indexed by

Focuses on categorization through indexing.

arranged according to

Highlights an intentional arrangement based on category.

sorted by

Focuses on the act of sorting items based on their category.

FAQs

Is "categorized at" grammatically correct?

While less common than "categorized as", "categorized at" is grammatically acceptable, especially when referring to a specific level or point in a classification system. Ludwig indicates that "categorized as" is generally more standard.

When should I use "categorized at" instead of "categorized as"?

Use "categorized at" when you want to emphasize the specific level or point in a classification system where something is placed. For instance, "The data was "categorized at" the neighborhood level." Otherwise, "categorized as" is often a safer and more common choice.

What are some alternatives to "categorized at"?

Alternatives to "categorized at" include "classified under", "grouped within", or "placed within". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the formality of "categorized at" compare to its alternatives?

"Categorized at" has a neutral to formal tone, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. Alternatives like "sorted by" may be more appropriate for informal contexts.