classification

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'classification' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when grouping items into categories or when organizing items into categories. For example, "The teacher made a classification of the students by their grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The current degree classification model, whereby students are awarded a first, 2 1, 2 2, or a third degree, has been labelled by critics as "not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

The system is said to provide more detail about whether a candidate came at the low or high end of a degree classification and offer greater international comparability of degree results.

The Guardian

Noforn "Not for foreign distribution" – a classification of some of the Snowden slides.

The Guardian

It is capable of a sort of fabrication that is peculiar to the medium, of highly individualistic, highly crafted work that, like anything of merit, defies classification – although the very structure of the BBC's commissioning processes militate against the non-generic.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 1979, 13 Leishmania species had been discovered in the Americas, eight of which infected humans, and Lainson proposed a new classification system, which has helped to define outbreaks of the disease in the region.

The Guardian

It could do more address the dilution of the external examiner system, the national variation in degree classification algorithms and the relationship between the management of resources and quality.

The Guardian

Only four people are in the BBC's "category-one" of public figures, a classification reserved for senior members of the royal family: the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and the Duke of Cambridge.

The Guardian

That would be a departure from the original UN classification of the 1990s – which absolved China, India and other developing countries which are now major carbon polluters – of cutting their emissions.

The Guardian

The creation of this new care assistant role reflects Skills for Health's desire to develop its existing support workforce, those who according to national Agenda for Change classification are in the lowest bands one to four.

The Guardian

Under the headline "News Corp Australia tax 'complex'" Davidson wrote that News had "explained its appearance on the Australian Taxation Office's high classification list, saying the media company's complex corporate structure after a demerger warranted closer inspection".

The Guardian

The WGEA says the gender reporting covers occupation, classification and employment status.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classification" when referring to a systematic organization or division of items based on shared characteristics.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "classification" in everyday conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "grouping" or "categorizing" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The noun "classification" functions as a term for organizing items into categories based on shared characteristics. It is often used in academic, scientific, and formal contexts. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse fields, such as degree results, NSA documents, and species of Leishmania.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "classification" is a versatile noun used to describe the act of organizing items into distinct groups based on shared attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts. With a neutral to formal register, "classification" is particularly common in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While alternatives such as "categorization", "grouping", and "sorting" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. For more informal settings, simpler terms may be preferred. Understanding the best practices and common errors associated with "classification" can enhance writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorization

Focuses on the act of assigning to categories.

categorizing

Emphasizes the action of placing into categories.

grouping

Highlights the act of forming groups.

sorting

Implies arranging items systematically.

arrangement

Refers to the way in which things are organized.

systematization

Focuses on organizing according to a system.

taxonomy

Specific to scientific classification.

gradation

Suggests arrangement by rank or degree.

pigeonholing

Informal term for classifying, often negatively.

indexing

Creating an index for easier retrieval and classification.

FAQs

How can I use "classification" in a sentence?

You can use "classification" to refer to the act of categorizing items based on shared attributes. For instance, "The "classification of animals" helps scientists understand their relationships".

What's a simpler way to say "classification"?

Depending on the context, alternatives such as "categorization", "grouping", or "sorting" can be used.

Is "classification" formal or informal?

"Classification" tends to be more formal. In casual conversation, "categorizing" or "grouping" might be more appropriate.

What fields does gender reporting cover according to WGEA?

The WGEA says gender reporting covers occupation, "classification" and employment status.