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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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characterised in

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterised in" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "characterised by" or "characterised as." Example: "The novel is characterised by its intricate plot and deep character development."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hypopomids are characterised in part by their tiny eyes and lack of teeth.

News & Media

The Guardian

At first, Mrs Elvsted is jokily characterised, in Friel's version, as a woman "addicted to her anxieties".

News & Media

The Guardian

At that point the rigid social order now prettily characterised in ITV's Downton Abbey was beginning to fall away.

It is unclear whether the prime minister's arrangement with the email server could be characterised in this way.

News & Media

The Guardian

In his written statement, Thompson said: "I cannot recall any conversation that can be fairly characterised in this way".

News & Media

The Guardian

In doing so, they have characterised in new detail the way the peptide wreaks its damage.

News & Media

The Economist

Unsurprisingly, eBay was naturally characterised in the customer context.

This is characterised in terms of Ra and Da.

Science

Energy

The materials were previously characterised in the laboratory.

Once more we highlight the streamlined process characterised in this paper represents a consistent process.

Inflammatory cytokines have been well characterised in other animal models of BD.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "characterised by" or "characterised as" to ensure grammatical correctness in formal writing. For example, use "The novel is characterised by its intricate plot" instead of "The novel is characterised in its intricate plot".

Common error

Avoid using "in" after "characterised". The correct prepositions are "by" or "as". For example, instead of writing, "The landscape is characterised in its rolling hills", write, "The landscape is characterised by its rolling hills".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterised in" functions as a passive verb construction where something is described or identified in a particular manner or context. However, Ludwig indicates that the standard and grammatically correct form should be either "characterised by" or "characterised as".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "characterised in" appears frequently across diverse sources, Ludwig flags it as grammatically incorrect. Standard English prefers "characterised by" or "characterised as". Although "characterised in" is commonly used in scientific, news and media, and wiki contexts, it's best to opt for the grammatically correct alternatives to maintain clarity and professionalism in writing. To avoid errors, remember to use "characterised by" to highlight defining qualities and "characterised as" to describe a nature or role.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "characterised" in a sentence?

The word "characterised" is typically followed by "by" or "as". For example, "The study is "characterised by" its rigorous methodology" or "The protagonist is "characterised as" a complex and flawed hero".

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

"Characterised by" highlights the defining qualities or features. "Characterised as" describes the nature or role something is perceived to have. For instance, a painting might be "characterised by" vibrant colours, while an event might be "characterised as" a turning point.

Is it ever correct to use "characterised in"?

While "characterised in" appears in some texts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The preferred forms are "characterised by" or "characterised as".

What are some alternatives to using "characterised by"?

You could use alternatives such as "defined by", "marked by", or "known for" depending on the specific context.

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: