is characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is characterised by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something and explain its qualities. For example: "The success of the program is characterised by a high level of student engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The industry is characterised by amazing debt levels," says Clarke.

The Guardian - Sport

It is characterised by a fear of silence.

The Guardian - Books

His work is characterised by a similar poetic naturalism.

The Guardian

Beyond that, Helsinki is characterised by dispersed suburbia.

The Guardian

The current global situation is characterised by deep, "organic crisis".

The Guardian - Opinion

Whiteread's art is characterised by a keen sense of place.

The Guardian - Arts

And all her writing is characterised by a zestful intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

And no one doubts that life is characterised by uncertainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other is characterised by a wary stasis.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is characterised by irritability and low energy.

The Economist

Today's car market is characterised by increasing specialism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is characterised by" to introduce a key defining attribute or feature of a subject, ensuring clarity and emphasis in your description.

Common error

Avoid using "is characterised by" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For instance, instead of "The room is characterised by its brightness," simply say "The room is bright."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is characterised by" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to its defining attributes or qualities. It highlights the key features that define a particular entity, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is characterised by" is a versatile and frequently used expression for defining the key attributes or features of a subject. It is deemed grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing, according to Ludwig. While alternatives like "is defined by" and "is marked by" exist, "is characterised by" remains a reliable and widely accepted choice for descriptive writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding overuse in very simple sentences to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is defined by

Emphasizes a formal definition or essential quality.

is marked by

Highlights a notable or distinctive feature.

is distinguished by

Focuses on the unique qualities that set something apart.

is known for

Indicates a widely recognized or famous attribute.

is typified by

Suggests a representative example or characteristic.

features

A more concise way of indicating prominent attributes. Reduces verbosity.

exhibits

Highlights the display or manifestation of certain qualities.

is notable for

Highlights the most important or remarkable quality.

is notable for

Highlights the most important or remarkable quality.

is recognized by

Focuses on how something is perceived or identified.

FAQs

How can I use "is characterised by" in a sentence?

Use "is characterised by" to describe the main qualities or features of a subject. For example, "The region "is characterised by" its diverse culture."

What are some alternatives to "is characterised by"?

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

Is it better to say "is characterised by" or "characterised by"?

"Is characterised by" is a complete verb phrase, making it suitable for sentences. "Characterised by" can function as an adjective phrase. For example, "The landscape "is characterised by" mountains," versus "mountain-characterised landscape".

What's the difference between "is characterised by" and "is distinguished by"?

"Is characterised by" describes typical qualities, while "is distinguished by" highlights unique or differentiating features. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your description.