could be characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be characterized" 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 manner. Example: "The painting could be characterized as a blend of impressionism and modern art, showcasing vibrant colors and dynamic brush strokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Indeed, neither could be characterized as shy.

The New York Times

Only 15 of the 160 sources listed in Appendix 3 could be characterized as encyclopedias even under a broad definition.

The New York Times - Books

Alderson said the team's level of concern for Davis could be characterized as low.

The New York Times

Nagel's 19th-century predecessors wondered how life could be characterized in physico-chemical terms.

The New York Times

Overall, the age of mainframes could be characterized by the expression "Many persons, one computer".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Steam comes out of his ears at the suggestion that this could be characterized as a bribe to public officials, which US law prohibits.

The Guardian - Opinion

By this logic, any large organization could be characterized as commercial and as involved with government in some way or another.

The New York Times

Take, for example, the debate over whether "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" could be characterized as a children's song.

The New York Times

The rest of the set could be characterized as a halfway point between Mr. Osby's usual method and a more traditional jazz set.

The New York Times - Arts

"It may be simply connecting a collection of platforms and capabilities in a way that creates a capability that could be characterized as transformed or transformational," he said.

The New York Times

Mitsubishi's finances, meanwhile, could be characterized as "improving".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be characterized", ensure the characterization is supported by evidence or analysis within your writing. For instance, state the qualities that lead to the characterization.

Common error

Avoid using "could be characterized" without providing specific details or context. Saying "the situation could be characterized as complex" is vague. Instead, explain the elements that make it complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be characterized" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential way to describe or define something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be characterized" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest a potential or possible description or classification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, especially in formal and scientific contexts. Remember to provide supporting details when using this phrase to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "might be described as" or "can be defined as" depending on the desired nuance. The most frequent contexts for this expression are Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be described as

Emphasizes possibility and description rather than inherent character.

can be defined as

Focuses on a formal definition or classification.

may be considered

Highlights a subjective evaluation or judgment.

could be termed as

Suggests a specific label or term might be applicable.

might be identified as

Focuses on recognition or categorization.

can be classified as

Emphasizes a structured grouping or taxonomy.

can be regarded as

Highlights a specific viewpoint or interpretation.

may be viewed as

Suggests different perspectives or interpretations.

might be assessed as

Focuses on evaluation or judgment based on specific criteria.

can be interpreted as

Emphasizes the subjective understanding or meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "could be characterized" to describe the qualities or features of something hypothetically or conditionally. For example, "The economic situation "could be characterized" as unstable due to rising inflation."

What are some alternatives to "could be characterized"?

Alternatives include "might be described as", "can be defined as", or "may be considered", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be characterized" or "could be described"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "could be characterized" implies a deeper analysis or defining quality, while "could be described" suggests a more general observation. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of detail in your writing.

What's the difference between "could be characterized as" and "is characterized by"?

"could be characterized as" implies a potential or possible characterization, whereas "is characterized by" indicates an established or accepted definition. The first expresses a hypothetical characterization, the second a factual one.