characterized that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characterized that" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a proper object or complement to follow "characterized." Example: "The study characterized that the results were significant." (This should be rephrased for clarity.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ms. McGrath characterized that strategy as necessarily fluid.

The New York Times

He characterized that loss as a short-term setback.

The Guardian

Mr. Dauman characterized that deal yesterday as an "experiment".

The New York Times - Tech

But the defense lawyers characterized that information as potentially exculpatory and demanded more information.

The New York Times

He characterized that situation as "the company's standing behind the C.E.O.

The New York Times

Trump characterized that plea as "very rude", and said that Pence had been "harassed".

The Guardian

He characterized that possibility partly as a response to pressures from the Kurdish population in the north.

The New York Times

After Fitzgerald began writing "The Great Gatsby," he characterized that theme of disillusionment in a letter to a friend.

The New Yorker

I had to be characterized that way in order for something to happen".

The New York Times

In an accompanying editorial in the medical journal, Dr. Elizabeth A. Bancroft, an epidemiologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, characterized that finding as "astounding".

The New York Times - Health

In a Jan . 25memorandum, the White House counsel, Mr. Gonzales, characterized that opinion as "definitive," although it was not the final basis for the president's decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "characterized that". Instead, rephrase your sentence to use constructions like "characterized as", "characterized by", or "described as" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

A common mistake is using "characterized that" to directly introduce a clause. Instead, use "characterized as" followed by a noun or adjective, or rephrase to use "described that" if you mean to report someone's description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characterized that" is typically used as a verb phrase intended to describe an action of attributing a particular quality or feature. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's often grammatically incorrect and requires rephrasing for proper usage. Examples show varied attempts across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "characterized that" appears frequently, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's often misused as a direct connector. Instead, opt for phrases like "characterized as" or "characterized by" for grammatical correctness. Sources using the phrase range from news outlets to scientific publications, but its frequent incorrect usage impacts its overall quality. When in doubt, always check Ludwig AI for accurate and context-appropriate alternatives. Correct usage enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

described that

Highlights the act of giving details or attributes.

identified that

Focuses on recognition or discovery rather than a description.

defined that

Emphasizes a clear and precise explanation of meaning.

labeled that

Indicates assigning a specific name or category.

classified that

Implies organizing into groups based on shared qualities.

portrayed that

Suggests a representation or depiction, often with a specific intention.

regarded that

Focuses on a particular opinion or way of thinking about something.

viewed that

Highlights a specific perspective or viewpoint.

assessed that

Stresses the evaluation or judgment of something.

interpreted that

Implies understanding or explaining the meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "characterized" in a sentence?

Use "characterized as" followed by a noun or adjective to describe something. For example, "He characterized the meeting as productive." Alternatively, use "characterized by" to indicate a defining feature, such as "The landscape is characterized by rolling hills."

What are some alternatives to "characterized that" that are grammatically sound?

Instead of "characterized that", consider using "described that", "defined that", or "stated that", depending on the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "The report characterized that the project was a failure", you could say "The report "described that" the project was a failure" or "The report "defined that" project as a failure".

Is it ever correct to use "characterized that" in formal writing?

No, "characterized that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and professionalism. Check Ludwig AI if you are unsure!

How does "characterized as" differ in meaning from "characterized by"?

"Characterized as" describes how something is perceived or defined, while "characterized by" indicates a defining attribute or feature. For instance, "The artist was characterized as innovative" describes reputation, while "The painting is characterized by bold colors" identifies a defining quality.