characterize as

USAGE SUMMARY

"characterize as" is correct and is often used in written English.
You can use it when you wish to describe or classify something in a certain way. For example: "The book was characterized as a coming-of-age novel about a young girl's journey to adulthood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The problem is the long-term prognosis — which I would characterize as bleak," he said.

The New York Times

"Dreams is a euphemism for what I characterize as greed and ego".

The New York Times

(This was the period a prosecutor would later characterize as my "period of silence").

The Guardian - Opinion

But DiCaprio is still breathing, entering what he would never, ever, characterize as his resurrection stage.

The New York Times - Magazine

JEN: Can you even think of one thing you would characterize as being super-duper Aristotelian?

The New York Times

This led to Dehaene's first encounter with what he came to characterize as "the number sense".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was further used to characterize as-prepared Ag2CO3 samples.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Can this be characterized as a tax?

The New York Times

Such ovaries are characterized as lacunate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is often characterized as a deconstructivist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, neither could be characterized as shy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "characterize as" when you want to present a specific interpretation or understanding of a subject, ensuring your viewpoint is clear and well-supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "characterize as" to express purely personal opinions without any objective basis. Instead, reserve it for situations where you are presenting an interpretation supported by evidence or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterize as" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of defining or interpreting something in a particular way. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "characterize as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to present a specific interpretation or classification of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using "characterize as", be sure to back up your interpretation with solid evidence. Be mindful of using related phrases such as "define as" or "describe as", which offer similar but subtly different meanings. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define as

Emphasizes providing a precise meaning or scope.

describe as

Focuses on giving an account of the features or nature of something.

classify as

Highlights placing something into a specific category or group.

identify as

Stresses recognizing or establishing something's identity.

deem as

Implies making a judgment or forming an opinion about something.

regard as

Suggests considering something in a particular way.

portray as

Focuses on representing something in a specific manner, often artistic or figurative.

view as

Emphasizes a subjective perspective or opinion.

label as

Highlights assigning a specific name or designation.

consider as

Suggests a more thoughtful or deliberate assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "characterize as" in a sentence?

You can use "characterize as" to describe how something is perceived or classified. For instance, "The film was characterized as a psychological thriller" or "The policy was characterized as a step in the right direction".

What are some alternatives to "characterize as"?

You can use alternatives like "define as", "describe as", or "classify as" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "characterize as" or "described as"?

Both "characterize as" and "described as" are correct, but "characterize as" often implies a more deliberate or analytical assessment, while "described as" is a more general term for giving an account of something.

What is the difference between "characterize as" and "consider as"?

"Characterize as" suggests a definitive classification or interpretation, whereas "consider as" implies a more tentative or subjective evaluation.