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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
characterized for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
It is doubtful that Lee and the Phillies will be similarly characterized for one simple reason.
News & Media
Besides offering full connectivity, the new line is characterized for its defined style.
News & Media
The conditions are characterized for equilibrium value and strategies.
The as-deposited films were characterized for their characteristic emissions.
Science
It is characterized for microporous materials with availability of mesopores.
Science
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.
Science
Formulations were characterized for physical properties and tribological behavior.
Science
Pellets were characterized for physico-mechanical properties viz.
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.
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".
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
characterized by
Replaces the incorrect preposition "for" with the correct preposition "by" to indicate defining attributes.
defined by
Substitutes "characterized" with "defined" while maintaining the indication of essential qualities.
known for
Replaces "characterized" with "known", focusing on recognizable qualities or attributes.
distinguished by
Emphasizes unique qualities, replacing "characterized" with "distinguished".
marked by
Replaces "characterized" with "marked", indicating notable or distinctive features.
features
Uses the verb "features" to describe the attributes, replacing the entire "characterized for" construction.
typified by
Replaces "characterized" with "typified", suggesting representation of a typical example.
identified by
Shifts focus to identification based on certain attributes, replacing "characterized".
attributed to
Indicates qualities ascribed to something, replacing "characterized" with "attributed".
inherent in
Focuses on qualities that are intrinsic, replacing "characterized" with "inherent".
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested