classified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classified by" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the way something is organized or sorted into groups. For example, "This library's books are classified by genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Classified by who?

The New York Times

These solid products are classified by size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i.

The Guardian

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones.

The Guardian

a, The medulloblastoma genome classified by subgroup.

Nature

It was just classified by the county as an assault.

The New York Times

Far too much information is classified by the government already.

The New York Times

Cars are classified by size by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The New York Times

Immigrants were classified by their potential to attain this ideal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Classified By: Anne W. Patterson, for reasons 1.4(b)(d).

The Guardian

All tequilas are classified by how long they are aged.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "classified by", ensure the criteria for classification are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the data was classified", specify "the data was classified by age group and income level."

Common error

Avoid using "classified by" without specifying the basis of the classification. For example, saying "items were classified" leaves the reader wondering about the criteria used. Always state clearly what the items are classified by.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classified by" functions as a passive construction indicating the criteria or agent responsible for categorization. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe how something is organized or sorted into groups. The examples highlight diverse applications, from scientific classifications to government designations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "classified by" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the criteria for categorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes how something is organized or sorted. Occurring frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to explicitly state the classification criteria. While "classified by" is concise and widely accepted, alternatives such as "categorized according to" or "grouped based on" can provide stylistic variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorized according to

Emphasizes a system of categorization following established rules.

grouped based on

Highlights the act of forming groups based on shared characteristics.

sorted by type of

Focuses on the arrangement of items according to their specific kind.

divided in accordance with

Suggests a formal division following a set of guidelines or rules.

arranged by

Highlights a specific order or organization implemented by someone.

designated by

Implies an official or authoritative assignment to a category.

labeled according to

Stresses the use of labels or tags to indicate category membership.

identified by

Focuses on recognition and assignment to a category based on specific attributes.

assessed by

Highlights the evaluation process leading to a classification.

distinguished by

Emphasizes the differentiating characteristics that lead to separate classifications.

FAQs

How do I use "classified by" in a sentence?

Use "classified by" to indicate the criteria used for sorting or grouping items. For example, "Books are classified by genre" or "Employees are classified by their department".

What can I say instead of "classified by"?

You can use alternatives like "categorized according to", "grouped based on", or "sorted by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "classified by" or "classified according to"?

"Classified by" is generally more concise. "Classified according to" can be used when you want to emphasize that the classification follows a specific set of rules or guidelines.

What's the difference between "classified by" and "identified by"?

"Classified by" implies a formal sorting or grouping, while "identified by" suggests recognizing something based on specific characteristics. For example, "plants are classified by species", whereas "criminals are identified by fingerprints".