has been characterized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been characterized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something in terms of a particular quality, trait, or feature. For example, "The president's term in office has been characterized by a lack of decisive action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has been characterized by small steps.

The New York Times - Science

Fox has been characterized by boldness from the start.

The New York Times - Arts

The nanocomposite has been characterized by thermoelectric power.

Materials Characterization

Hydroxyapatite has been characterized by using different physicochemical methods.

Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

The controversy regarding recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been characterized by two perspectives.

Harvard University

For that reason, virtually all of my research has been characterized by hypothesis-driven experimental designs.

Cornell University

Ms. Mayawati's governing of Uttar Pradesh has been characterized by supersize acts of political symbolism.

The New York Times

For years, interactive advertising on television has been characterized by risky experiments and high-profile failures.

The New York Times - Tech

Since 1589, predatory behavior has been characterized by pillaging, plundering and robbery.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the start, though, the study of autoimmunity has been characterized by uncertainty and error.

The New Yorker

The Fox entertainment division in the last decade has been characterized by frequent change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been characterized by", ensure that the characteristics you are attributing are well-supported by evidence or examples within your text. This strengthens your argument and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "has been characterized by" to describe something based on limited observations or anecdotal evidence. Ensure your characterization is representative and broadly applicable, not based on isolated instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been characterized by" functions as a descriptor, attributing specific qualities or features to a subject. It is commonly used to provide a comprehensive understanding or summary of something's nature. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been characterized by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the defining attributes of a subject. Grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's employed across diverse contexts, notably in news, science, and academic writing. While interchangeable with alternatives like "is marked by" or "is known for", it's crucial to ensure that the attributed characteristics are well-supported and broadly representative. Avoiding overgeneralizations will enhance clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is marked by

Focuses on distinctive features, similar to "characterized by".

is defined by

Emphasizes essential qualities that determine the nature of something.

is known for

Highlights widely recognized attributes or qualities.

is distinguished by

Focuses on unique aspects that set something apart.

is notable for

Emphasizes significant or remarkable features.

is typified by

Highlights representative examples or features.

features

A concise way to indicate prominent characteristics.

exhibits

Indicates the presence of specific qualities or behaviors.

demonstrates

Shows or displays particular attributes or qualities.

is identified by

Focuses on the criteria used to recognize or classify something.

FAQs

How do I use "has been characterized by" in a sentence?

Use "has been characterized by" to describe something in terms of its defining qualities or features. For instance, "The project "has been characterized by" significant delays" indicates that delays are a prominent feature of the project.

What are some alternatives to "has been characterized by"?

You can use alternatives like "is "marked by"", "is "defined by"", or "is "known for"" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "has been characterized by" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been characterized by" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that your usage is precise and that the characteristics you're attributing are well-supported. Alternatives may offer a more nuanced meaning depending on the context.

What's the difference between "has been characterized by" and "is known for"?

"Has been characterized by" implies a description based on observed traits, while "is "is known for"" suggests a widely recognized attribute. The former is more descriptive, while the latter is more about reputation or common perception.