Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
characterized to have
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "characterized to have" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is describing the attributes or features of something, but the construction is awkward and not idiomatic. Example: "The species is characterized to have a unique adaptation to its environment."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
identified as having
discovered to have
authorized to have
characterized by
recognised to have
identified to have
characterized by having
described as having
described to have
anticipated to have
recognized to include
appreciated to have
realised to have
shown to have
organized to have
known to have
indicated to have
recognized to have
imagined to have
determined to contain
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
39 human-written examples
Effectively, CCN1 and CCN6 have been characterized to have tumor promoting activity [62-64] [62-64]
PTX-loaded FA-TPGS2K/HDP mixed micelles were characterized to have a small size distribution, high loading content and excellent pH-responsive drug release profiles.
Science
Overall, the precursor polymers, as well as the resultant alternating copolyimides were characterized to have relatively good properties suitable for applications in the fabrication of microelectronic devices.
Science
The supported H3PMo12O40/SM-CMK-3 catalyst was characterized to have high surface area (≈1000 m2/g) and relatively large pore volume (0.83 cm3/g).
Science
A copolyester was characterized to have 91 mol% trimethylene terephthalate unit and 9 mol% ethylene terephthalate unit in a random sequence by using 13C NMR.
Science
Doxorubicin (DOX -loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were characterizeDOX -loaded unanoparticlesistributioNPshigh entrapment efficiency, good stability in plasma as were as a pH dependent drug release pattern.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
21 human-written examples
Likewise, most, if not all tumours characterized to date, have defects in the p53 tumour suppressor pathway.
Science
All monomeric linear mt genomes characterized to date have a single pair of TIR on both ends [ 5].
Science
Only five of the seventeen superfamilies characterized to date have been found in plant genomes (CACTA, Mutator, PIF/Harbinger, hAT, Tc1/mariner) [ 4, 5].
Science
No other DNA polymerase characterized to date has either an intrinsic ATPase activity or a similar autoregulatory mechanism.
Science
Minor comments " are characterized extensively" → "have been characterized extensively" Author's response: Following the reviewer's suggestion, we haved changed " are characterized extensively" to "have been characterized extensively".
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using "characterized to have", opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "characterized by", "defined as having", or "known to have".
Common error
Avoid using the phrase "characterized to have" in an attempt to sound more formal. Simpler phrasing such as "is known for" or "possesses" often provides more clarity and conciseness.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "characterized to have" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the attributes or qualities of a subject. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this specific construction is not grammatically correct, and should be replaced by alternatives.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "characterized to have" is frequently encountered in scientific literature, but as highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically incorrect. A review of example sentences reveals that it appears primarily in science-related contexts, aiming to specify attributes or features. Although commonly used, it's best replaced with grammatically sound alternatives such as "characterized by", "defined as having", or "known to have", ensuring clarity and precision in writing. By favoring these alternatives, writers can avoid awkward phrasing while maintaining a formal tone. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of grammatical accuracy, even in technical writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
characterized by having
Emphasizes possession of a quality as a defining trait.
known to have
Highlights established knowledge about possessing a particular attribute.
identified as having
Focuses on the act of recognizing and classifying something based on its attributes.
described as having
Indicates how something is portrayed or represented with certain attributes.
defined by its possession of
Offers a formal and precise way to specify defining characteristics.
possessing the attribute of
Emphasizes the inherent quality or trait that something holds.
exhibiting the property of
Highlights the observable characteristics or behavior of something.
features include
Presents a list-like format to describe qualities or aspects
attributes consist of
Offers a way to outline characteristic qualities or features.
with properties including
Highlights specific properties among other features
FAQs
How can I rephrase the sentence using "characterized to have"?
Instead of "characterized to have", you can use alternatives such as "characterized by", "defined as having", or "known to have" depending on the context.
Is "characterized to have" grammatically correct?
The phrase "characterized to have" is not considered standard English. More grammatically sound options include "characterized by" or "defined as having".
What's the difference between "characterized to have" and "characterized by"?
"Characterized by" is the correct idiomatic expression to use. It means that something is notable for a particular quality. "Characterized to have" is an incorrect phrasing. For example, instead of saying, "The compound is characterized to have high reactivity", it should be, "The compound is characterized by high reactivity".
When is it appropriate to use "characterized to have"?
It's generally not appropriate to use "characterized to have" in formal writing. Instead, use more accepted phrases like "known to have", "defined as having", or "characterized by".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested