characterises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterises" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the distinctive qualities or features of someone or something. Example: "The novel characterises the protagonist as a complex and multifaceted individual, struggling with internal conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she said the media – traditional and social – had misrepresented her son, whom she characterises as a "gentle giant", despite his conviction in 2014 for a home invasion.

The Guardian

As Blake characterises the trick: "A bit of a wait between one part of the track and another; really not that special".

The Guardian - Music

One Number 10 official characterises the likely attitude of most of the public as "wake me up when it is time to make a decision".

The Guardian - Opinion

Every prostitute who has left the industry describes the horrendous violence she has faced from pimps and punters, an occupational hazard that characterises this kind of work.

The Guardian - Opinion

They want their own government's national security surveillance activities to be conducted under the independent scrutiny that characterises the rule of law.

The Guardian - Tech

Part of the process of mental disintegration that characterises those illnesses is the experience of partial or total alienation.

The Guardian

Its streets are still pleasingly ramshackle in parts and it has the vague seediness that often characterises large ports.

The Guardian - Travel

Forster characterises the Shorten bill as an effort to claim public ownership of the issue, rather than proceeding in cooperative spirit.

The Guardian

CD-ROMWorld Bank; 377 pages; $60.$275INFORMATION overload, rather than a scarcity of statistics, characterises today's world.

The Economist

One day, perhaps, something like the sort of broad intelligence that characterises the human brain may be recreated in a machine.

The Economist

And at times he fails to exert on his work the iron discipline that characterises the only comparable work in English, Christopher Hibbert's "Rome: The Biography of a City", published in 1985.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "characterises" to describe the most notable or typical qualities of a subject. This is most effective when these qualities are central to its nature or function.

Common error

Avoid using "characterises" in highly informal writing. Simpler words like "shows" or "is like" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "characterises" is as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. It's used to describe a quality or feature that is typical or distinctive of someone or something, as seen in many Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characterises" is a verb used to describe the typical qualities of something. It is grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, and frequently appears in news, business, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in informal writing. Consider related phrases such as "defines" or "distinguishes" for nuanced meanings. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "characterises" to add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defines

Focuses on setting boundaries or limits, providing a clear and distinct meaning.

distinguishes

Highlights the unique attributes that set something apart from others.

identifies

Emphasizes the recognition or establishment of something's nature or characteristics.

epitomizes

Suggests being a perfect example of a particular quality or type.

marks

Indicates a notable feature or characteristic.

features

Highlights specific attributes or aspects of something.

exemplifies

Represents something as a typical or clear example.

portrays

Depicts something in a specific way, often focusing on particular qualities.

represents

Functions as a symbol or embodiment of something.

highlights

Draws attention to important or prominent aspects.

FAQs

How to use "characterises" in a sentence?

"Characterises" is used to describe the main qualities of something. For example, "This style "characterises early work"".

What can I say instead of "characterises"?

You can use alternatives like "defines", "distinguishes", or "identifies" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "characterises" or "characterizes"?

"Characterises" is the British English spelling, while "characterizes" is the American English spelling. Both are correct depending on the regional dialect.

What's the difference between "characterises" and "describes"?

"Characterises" implies a defining or typical quality, while "describes" simply provides details without necessarily indicating core attributes.