characterises the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterises the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing or defining the distinctive features or qualities of something. Example: "The study characterises the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The same timidity characterises the new plans.

The Economist

What characterises the Canadian character?

The Guardian - Film

What characterises the landscape of murder?

The Guardian

He characterises the local reaction to Sunday's shooting as "outrage.

The Guardian

Barnes characterises the partnership as more of a barter agreement.

Independent

"It was armageddon," is how he characterises the initial response.

The Guardian

Dr Vizard characterises the second group as displaying what she calls Emerging Severe Personality Disorder (ESPD).

Independent

It lacks the sense of local identity that characterises the Swedish version.

Independent

It characterises the strength of the force between electrically charged particles.

The Economist

It is something that characterises the whole shortlist this year," he said.

The Guardian - Film

The friendly openness that characterises the rest of Iraqi Kurdistan is missing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "characterises the", ensure that the subject you are describing has distinct and recognizable features. Be specific about what those features are to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "characterises the" in overly general statements. Instead of saying "The situation characterises the problem", specify which aspects of the situation are indicative of the problem. For example "The lack of funding characterises the difficulties in the project"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterises the" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a defining or distinctive quality of a subject. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing diverse subjects, from emotional reactions to scientific concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

47%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characterises the" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the defining qualities of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While alternatives like "defines the" and "describes the" exist, "characterises the" offers a nuanced way to highlight unique attributes. It's important to use this phrase with specific and recognizable features to avoid vague descriptions and enhance clarity. Found frequently in scientific and news contexts, "characterises the" presents a formal tone suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. This makes it a reliable choice for expressing insightful observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defines the

This alternative focuses on providing a clear and concise definition.

describes the

This alternative offers a general account or depiction, similar to characterising.

identifies the

This alternative emphasizes pinpointing or recognizing key features.

typifies the

This alternative highlights the representative or typical aspects.

distinguishes the

This alternative stresses the unique features that set something apart.

marks the

This alternative indicates a distinctive feature or characteristic.

is indicative of the

This alternative suggests that something serves as a sign or indication.

is representative of the

This alternative suggests that something is acting as a common pattern.

is a hallmark of the

This alternative suggests something is a distinctive feature.

is emblematic of the

This alternative indicates that something serves as a symbol.

FAQs

How can I use "characterises the" in a sentence?

Use "characterises the" to highlight the distinctive features or qualities of a subject. For example, "The friendly openness that "characterises the" rest of Iraqi Kurdistan is missing."

What are some alternatives to "characterises the"?

You can use alternatives such as "defines the", "describes the", or "identifies the" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "characterises the" or "is characterised by"?

Both "characterises the" and "is characterised by" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different emphasis. "Characterises the" emphasizes the subject's action of defining something, while "is characterised by" emphasizes the qualities that define the subject.

Which is more formal, "characterises the" or "defines the"?

"Characterises the" and "defines the" are both suitable for formal writing. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Characterises the" often implies a more nuanced or comprehensive description, whereas "defines the" is more direct and precise.