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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
characterised in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
At first, Mrs Elvsted is jokily characterised, in Friel's version, as a woman "addicted to her anxieties".
News & Media
At that point the rigid social order now prettily characterised in ITV's Downton Abbey was beginning to fall away.
News & Media
It is unclear whether the prime minister's arrangement with the email server could be characterised in this way.
News & Media
In his written statement, Thompson said: "I cannot recall any conversation that can be fairly characterised in this way".
News & Media
In doing so, they have characterised in new detail the way the peptide wreaks its damage.
News & Media
Unsurprisingly, eBay was naturally characterised in the customer context.
Science
This is characterised in terms of Ra and Da.
Science
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.
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".
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".
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
defined by
Focuses on the defining attributes or features, similar to being characterised by.
marked by
Highlights distinctive traits or signs, akin to being characterised.
identified by
Emphasizes the features used to recognize or distinguish something, much like characterisation.
known for
Indicates a widely recognized characteristic or quality.
typified by
Implies that something is representative of a particular type or category.
represented by
Shows how something is depicted or symbolized, related to how it's characterised.
described as
Refers to the verbal portrayal or depiction of something.
featured in
Highlights the presence or inclusion of a quality or attribute.
illustrated by
Indicates that something is demonstrated or clarified by specific examples.
specified in
Highlights the explicit details or conditions provided.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested