classify as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classify as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is categorised or grouped based on its similarity to other things in the same group. For example, "This species of dog is classified as a retriever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neel's work smashes both of those categories, showing us the humanness embedded in subjects that people might classify as "different".

The New Yorker

What do you classify as "old"?

Vice

I've never seen anything I would classify as serious.

BMC Health Services Research

This is hard to classify as abject poverty.

The New Yorker

In my opinion, this would classify as a paradox, to say the least.

The New York Times

Only 1% of the questions could we fairly classify as "fluff".

The Guardian

Insurance almost never pays for the procedures, which insurers classify as elective cosmetic surgery.

The New York Times

And they were hard to classify as wish fulfillments, even as elaborately concealed ones.

The New Yorker

"He was an F.B.I. agent whom I would classify as a maverick," he said.

The New Yorker

He's not what I or someone would classify as below average by any means".

The New York Times - Sports

It makes one wonder what Palin (or her ghostwriter) has decided to classify as rogue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject and the classification are logically connected. The classification should accurately reflect the characteristics of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or vague categories when using "classify as". Ensure that the category is specific enough to provide meaningful information. For example, instead of saying "classify as good", specify what makes it good, such as "classify as highly effective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classify as" functions as a verb phrase used to categorize or assign something to a specific group or type based on shared characteristics or criteria. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "classify as" is a versatile phrase used to categorize or assign something to a specific group, as validated by Ludwig. It’s grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While "classify as" maintains a neutral register, it’s crucial to ensure the categories are specific and meaningful to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "categorize as", "group as", and "designate as" offer nuanced options for expressing similar concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, mastering the use of "classify as" will enhance clarity and organization in your writing, helping you communicate effectively across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorize as

This alternative uses a different verb with an almost identical meaning.

group as

This alternative implies a broader sense of association or arrangement.

designate as

This alternative suggests a more formal assignment or labeling.

label as

This alternative focuses on assigning a specific name or identifier.

identify as

This alternative suggests recognizing and naming something based on its characteristics.

consider as

This alternative emphasizes a more subjective evaluation or opinion.

regard as

This alternative implies a specific way of thinking about or viewing something.

deem as

This alternative suggests a formal judgment or assessment.

recognize as

This alternative emphasizes acknowledging something's true nature or status.

style as

This alternative suggests describing something in a particular way or giving it a certain label.

FAQs

How to use "classify as" in a sentence?

You can use "classify as" to categorize items based on shared attributes. For example, "Researchers "classify as" microplastics items smaller than 20 μm".

What can I say instead of "classify as"?

Alternatives include "categorize as", "group as", or "designate as", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "classify as" or "classified as"?

"Classify as" is used in the active voice to describe the act of categorization. "Classified as" is used in the passive voice to describe something that has already been categorized.

What's the difference between "classify as" and "qualify as"?

"Classify as" means to assign something to a particular category. "Qualify as" means to have the necessary attributes or abilities to be considered something. For example, a student might "qualify as" a candidate, while researchers may "classify as" the subject of the study.