is classified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is classified' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a certain categorization of something, and can be used in many situations. For example, "This species of plant is classified as endangered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Much is classified.

The Economist

It is classified.

The New York Times

The program is classified.

The Washington Post

That is classified.

The Guardian

(The full review is classified).

The Economist

DUNBAR: That information is classified.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was classified.

The New York Times

The recommendations are classified.

The New York Times

Both were classified environments.

The New York Times

Earliest editions were classified.

The New York Times

Its meetings are classified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is classified" in formal writing, ensure the classification criteria are clear and, if possible, referenced to an authoritative source.

Common error

Avoid using "is classified" without specifying who is doing the classifying or by what standard. For example, instead of saying "The document is classified", specify "The document is classified by the government" or "The document is classified as confidential according to protocol x."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is classified" functions as a passive verb construction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that something is being assigned to a specific category or level, often implying a systematic or official process. The examples show it used in contexts ranging from film ratings to government secrets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is classified" is a versatile phrase functioning as a passive verb construction, commonly used to indicate that something has been officially categorized, often with implications of secrecy or specific criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, suggesting its relevance in both formal and informal communication. Remember to provide context by specifying the classifying authority and standards. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "is categorized" or "is designated", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is categorized

Focuses on the act of placing something into a category.

is designated

Implies an official assignment or naming.

is recognized as

Emphasizes widespread acknowledgement or acceptance.

is considered

Highlights a general opinion or assessment.

is defined as

Highlights a formal definition or explanation.

is labeled

Emphasizes the act of giving something a specific label.

is deemed

Implies a judgment or decision has been made.

is grouped

Focuses on placing items together based on shared characteristics.

is ranked

Implies a hierarchical ordering or grading.

is filed

Suggests placement within a system or record.

FAQs

How can I use "is classified" in a sentence?

You can use "is classified" to indicate that something belongs to a particular category or has been designated as secret. For example, "This species "is classified" as endangered" or "The information "is classified" for national security reasons."

What are some alternatives to saying "is classified"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is categorized", "is designated", or "is considered" to convey a similar meaning. If referring to secrecy, "is confidential" or "is restricted" might be appropriate.

Which sentence is correct: "The data is classified" or "The data are classified"?

The sentence "The data "is classified"" is generally correct in modern usage, though traditionally "data" is the plural of "datum". It's becoming increasingly common to treat "data" as a singular noun, especially in informal contexts. However, in formal or scientific writing, using "The data "are classified"" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "is classified" and "is categorized"?

"Is classified" often implies an official or formal designation, sometimes with security implications (e.g., government secrets). "Is categorized", on the other hand, simply means something has been placed into a specific group based on shared characteristics.