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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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characterized for

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterized for" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct phrase is "characterized by." Example: "The novel is characterized by its intricate plot and deep character development."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The hope that John Kennedy characterized for Americans spread across the world, then faded with his death," Mrs. Moynihan wrote.

News & Media

The New York Times

It is doubtful that Lee and the Phillies will be similarly characterized for one simple reason.

News & Media

The New York Times

Besides offering full connectivity, the new line is characterized for its defined style.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The conditions are characterized for equilibrium value and strategies.

The as-deposited films were characterized for their characteristic emissions.

It is characterized for microporous materials with availability of mesopores.

The system noise was characterized for various photo-current.

Fortunately, it was characterized for many families of means.

The samples are characterized for their optical and structural studies.

Formulations were characterized for physical properties and tribological behavior.

Science

Wear

Pellets were characterized for physico-mechanical properties viz.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "characterized by" instead of "characterized for". The preposition "by" correctly indicates the attributes or qualities that define something. For example: "The design is characterized by its simplicity."

Common error

Avoid using "for" after "characterized". The correct preposition is "by". Using "for" creates a grammatically incorrect phrase. It is better to use a synonym, avoiding the construction altogether. "This method is defined by/identified by/marked by its efficiency" are all grammatically sound options.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterized for" functions incorrectly as a prepositional phrase intended to describe the defining attributes of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct usage is "characterized by".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "characterized for" appears with some frequency, especially in scientific and news-related content, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights that the correct form is "characterized by". The phrase is intended to specify defining qualities, but the incorrect preposition undermines its effectiveness. Alternatives such as "defined by", "known for", and "marked by" should be used instead to ensure grammatical accuracy.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "characterized" in a sentence?

The correct way to use "characterized" is with the preposition "by", as in "characterized by". For example, "The Renaissance was "characterized by" a renewed interest in classical art and literature".

Is it ever correct to say "characterized for"?

No, it is generally not considered correct to say "characterized for" in standard English. The correct preposition to use with "characterized" is "by". Using "for" is a grammatical error.

What are some alternatives to saying "characterized for"?

Instead of "characterized for", you can use alternatives like "defined by", "known for", or "marked by", depending on the specific context.

How does using "characterized by" change the meaning compared to "characterized for"?

Since "characterized for" is grammatically incorrect, there is no valid comparison in meaning. "Characterized by" indicates the attributes that define something, whereas "characterized for" doesn't convey a coherent or grammatically accepted meaning.

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Most frequent sentences: