could be characterised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be characterised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing or defining the qualities or features of something in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "The novel could be characterised as a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be characterised as the development of the radiopharmaceutical being 10 or even 20 years ahead of its ultimate realisation as a clinical tool, thus demonstrating that the leap frog model does not always apply.

EJNMMI Physics

The pastes developed from the sludge could be characterised by the Benbow Bridgwater relationship using six paste parameters and this characterisation was extended to predict the behaviour of the screw extrusion process.

Ceramics International

People who do not consult their GP will not have diseases with mild or no symptoms diagnosed, and their personality could be characterised by a less worrying and more optimistic attitude to health being reflected in better SRH.

BMJ Open

His career could be characterised by a willingness to wade knee-deep into situations that others would rather tiptoe around.

The Guardian - Film

It is unclear whether the prime minister's arrangement with the email server could be characterised in this way.

The Guardian

The very idea of a Met chief who could be characterised as "liberal on race and diversity" must have struck them as a frightening and unnatural contamination.

The Guardian

Despite the government's rhetoric, none of the identified breaches could be characterised as a special measure under the high court's definition.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said that many people may be horrified by the woman's thinking and her decision to refuse treatment could be characterised as unwise and even immoral.

The Guardian

To the people around the table, it seemed preposterous that the stimulating and welcoming country in which they had spent the past week could be characterised so unthinkingly.

The Guardian

Gerard Lyons, chief economist and group head of global research at Standard Chartered, said: "The last decade could be characterised by the three words 'made in China'.

The Guardian - Business

Until last week, that indifference allowed Cameron's Government to remain remarkably unscathed by its attitude toward desperate refugees, which could be characterised as a classic exercise in Nimbyism.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be characterised" to introduce a possible interpretation or description, especially when the subject's nature is not definitively established or agreed upon. It adds a layer of nuance, suggesting a potential but not necessarily definitive understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "could be characterised" in situations where a more direct and definitive statement is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant and less assertive. If the characterization is well-supported and widely accepted, opt for stronger verbs like "is" or "can be."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be characterised" functions as a modal verb construction used to express a potential or possible description of a subject. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces an interpretation that is not necessarily definitive but rather a likely viewpoint or perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be characterised" is a versatile construction used to introduce a potential description or interpretation, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its usage suggests a tentative assessment rather than a definitive statement. Alternatives such as ""might be described"" or "can be defined" offer similar but nuanced ways to convey potential attributes. While grammatically sound, overuse of "could be characterised" can weaken writing, so it's best reserved for scenarios where a softer, less assertive tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be described

Replaces "could be characterised" with a synonym that conveys a similar sense of possibility and description, but emphasizes the descriptive aspect.

can be defined

Substitutes with a phrase emphasizing definition rather than characterization, implying a more precise and concrete description.

may be classified

Replaces "characterised" with "classified", focusing on categorization rather than a broader description.

could be considered

Uses "considered" instead of "characterised", suggesting a more subjective assessment.

might be identified

Focuses on identification, implying a more specific recognition of key attributes.

can be seen as

Replaces "characterised" with a more visual and interpretive phrase, focusing on perception.

could be labeled

Emphasizes the act of assigning a label or category, which is a narrower aspect of characterization.

may be interpreted

Replaces "characterised" with "interpreted", suggesting a more subjective and contextual understanding.

can be portrayed

Focuses on the depiction or portrayal of something, implying a more artistic or representational characterization.

might be regarded

Uses "regarded" instead of "characterised", implying a more evaluative or judgmental perspective.

FAQs

What does "could be characterised" mean?

The phrase "could be characterised" means that something can be described or defined in a particular way, suggesting a potential interpretation or assessment. It's used when the description is not definitive, but rather a possible or likely viewpoint.

How can I use "could be characterised" in a sentence?

Use "could be characterised" when you want to suggest a particular quality or attribute that might define something. For example, "The novel "might be described" as a profound exploration of human relationships."

What are some alternatives to "could be characterised"?

Alternatives to "could be characterised" include phrases like "can be defined", "may be classified", or "might be identified". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could be characterised" and "is characterised"?

Yes, "could be characterised" suggests a possibility or potential interpretation, while "is characterised" indicates a definite and established attribute. The former is less assertive than the latter.