characterize that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterize that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to describe or define a specific subject or object. Example: "Can you characterize that painting in terms of its style and emotional impact?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Can you characterize that for us?

The New Yorker

How to characterize that eye?

The New York Times - Arts

We don't know how to characterize that subset yet".

The New York Times - Sports

How do you characterize that strike right now? GENERAL McCHRYSTAL -- Well, we characterize that strike as being very, very effective.

The New York Times

There were virtually none of the cellular markers that characterize that condition.

The New York Times

He repeatedly declined, however, to characterize that situation as a recession, although many economists view two consecutive quarters of shrinkage as the sign of one.

The New York Times

Defining middle-class millionaires as the self-made heads of households worth $1 million to $10 million (including the value of a primary residence), the authors sharply characterize that group.

The New York Times - Books

Because by helping turn Chechnya into a killing field for journalists -- 15 dead, by latest count, often at the hands of Russian soldiers -- the Russian government can now characterize that conflict pretty much any way it wants to.

The New York Times - Magazine

Manuel, who spoke for about 30 minutes with Wilpon during batting practice Friday night, would not characterize that conversation, but said, "It's always positive when I talk to him, for the most part".

The New York Times - Sports

So I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don't think the Bible would characterize him as a Christian".

The New York Times - Sports

A burly man with a booming voice, Mr. Butcher became a leading critic of the hostile takeovers and junk-bond financing that had come to characterize that era on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "characterize that" when you want a speaker or writer to provide a comprehensive description, analysis, or interpretation of a particular subject or situation. It is suitable for eliciting thoughtful and detailed responses.

Common error

While "characterize that" is appropriate in formal and analytical settings, avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "describe that" or "explain that" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterize that" functions as a request for a detailed description or assessment of a specific subject. It prompts the speaker to provide an interpretation or analysis, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples. The phrase is often used in contexts where a comprehensive understanding is needed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characterize that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that prompts a detailed description or analysis of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While alternatives like "describe that" or "define that" may be more appropriate in casual settings, "characterize that" is valuable for eliciting thoughtful and insightful responses in analytical discussions. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describe that

A more general and straightforward way to ask for a description.

define that

Focuses on providing a clear and precise definition.

explain that

Suggests a need for clarification or making something understandable.

interpret that

Emphasizes understanding the meaning or significance.

assess that

Implies evaluating or judging its qualities.

classify that

Focuses on categorizing or assigning it to a group.

elucidate that

A more formal way to ask for clarification or explanation.

expound on that

Suggests a more detailed and elaborate explanation.

portray that

Highlights representing or depicting something.

outline that

Focuses on giving a brief summary or overview.

FAQs

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

You can use "characterize that" to ask someone to describe or define something, as in, "How would you "characterize that" policy?" or "Can you "characterize that" situation for me?"

What can I say instead of "characterize that"?

Alternatives to "characterize that" include "describe that", "define that", or "explain that depending on the context and level of formality desired".

When is it appropriate to use "characterize that"?

"Characterize that" is suitable for formal contexts, analytical discussions, or when seeking a detailed and nuanced description. It's less appropriate for casual conversations, where simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "characterize that" and "describe that"?

"Characterize that" implies a more in-depth analysis and interpretation, while "describe that" focuses on providing a general account of the features or qualities of something. Characterize can be used when you're looking for the key aspects that define a person, thing, or situation.