characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterised by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the defining features or qualities of something. Example: "The novel is characterised by its intricate plot and well-developed characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're also characterised by their speech.

Independent

It was characterised by two conflicting aims.

The Economist

Fundraising attempts have been characterised by failure.

The Guardian

❦ The Corporation was always characterised by anxiety.

The Guardian - Books

The systems are characterised by:.

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

They are characterised by tormented conscience and by resilience.

The Guardian - Books

His life was also characterised by a chaotic personal life.

The Guardian

And no one doubts that life is characterised by uncertainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Winter was characterised by multi-day cyclical behaviour.

Nature

Leadsom's leadership campaign was characterised by incompetence, grandstanding and vacuity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whiteread's art is characterised by a keen sense of place.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if the characteristics are actions, not qualities. For example, use "performs" instead of "is characterised by performing".

Common error

While "characterised by" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "defined by" or "marked by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterised by" functions as a linking phrase introducing a description of the key attributes or features of a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a common and accepted way to specify defining qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characterised by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe the defining features of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful construction. Its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. To enhance writing, consider varying your language with synonyms like "defined by" or "marked by" to prevent repetition. When you use "characterised by", be sure that the attributes you describe are essential and specific to the thing being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished by

Focuses on unique attributes that set something apart.

defined by

Emphasizes the essential qualities that determine the nature of something.

marked by

Highlights notable features or characteristics.

known for

Indicates a widely recognized attribute or quality.

noted for

Similar to "known for" but may imply a more formal observation.

identified by

Focuses on recognizable features that allow for identification.

exhibited by

Highlights qualities or behaviors that are displayed or demonstrated.

features

Uses a verb to emphasize the attributes something includes.

displays

Describes what something reveals as a quality or trait.

exemplified by

Suggests that something serves as a typical example.

FAQs

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

Use "characterised by" to describe the main attributes or features of a subject. For example, "The landscape is characterised by rolling hills and dense forests".

What are some alternatives to "characterised by"?

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

Is "characterised by" formal or informal?

"Characterised by" is generally considered suitable for both formal and neutral writing contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

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

"Characterised by" implies defining or essential features, while "described by" simply indicates that something has been portrayed in a particular way. Something can be described inaccurately, but if it's characterised a certain way, those qualities are central to its identity.