it was characterized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was characterized by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the defining features or qualities of a subject in a formal or academic context. Example: "The novel was characterized by its intricate plot and deep character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Composed in a AABA form, it was characterized by its lyricisms and its "tense dissonant" jazz-figures.

Wikipedia

It was characterized by its invisibility and its unpredictability.

Disability and Rehabilitation

For each experimental condition, a lag time variability was observed, it was characterized by its mean, standard deviation (sd) and 5th percentile, after a Normal distribution fit.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

It was characterized by its complexity and it was found to be rich in hydroxytyrosol and secoiridoids derivatives (Peixoto et al. 2008; Leouifoudi et al. 2014).

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

The essential oil of plant collected from Fondouk Djedid correlated negatively with the second factor and it was characterized by its weak activity against Candida krusei.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

It was characterized by gentleness.

The New York Times

As to Cisco's overall financial performance, it was characterized by Wall Street analysts as workmanlike.

The New York Times

Instead, it was characterized by large numbers of smaller icebergs with V-shaped keels.

Nature

"Finnegans Wake," as Shloss saw it, was characterized by word dissociation and informed by a dancer's sense of movement.

The New Yorker

It was characterized by critics as everything from an unnervingly ethnic gesture to a quasi-terrorist salute.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The editor's post--it was characterized by one admiring liberal blogger as "sandbagging a columnist --unleashed an Internet torrent of columnist --unleashedn.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was characterized by", ensure that the 'it' is clearly defined and the characteristics listed are specific and relevant to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it was characterized by" excessively in your writing, as it can make your sentences sound passive and less engaging. Consider rephrasing to use a more active voice when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was characterized by" functions as a descriptive connector, linking a subject to its defining attributes. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a grammatically sound and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was characterized by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the defining attributes of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic entries. While it is suitable for formal writing, users should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more active alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases include "it was defined by" and "it was marked by", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively employ this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was defined by

Replaces "characterized" with "defined", emphasizing the setting of limits or boundaries.

it was marked by

Substitutes "characterized" with "marked", highlighting distinctive features or signs.

it featured

Uses "featured" instead of "characterized", focusing on prominent aspects or elements.

it exhibited

Replaces "characterized" with "exhibited", emphasizing the display of particular qualities.

it displayed

Similar to "exhibited", but with a focus on visual or observable traits.

it presented

Highlights how something was shown or offered in terms of its qualities.

it embodied

Indicates that something was a tangible representation of certain qualities.

it possessed

Focuses on the inherent qualities or attributes that something had.

its hallmark was

Changes the structure to emphasize a specific, distinguishing feature as a "hallmark".

it was notable for

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of certain characteristics.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was characterized by" to sound more active?

Instead of using the passive construction "it was characterized by", try a more active phrasing like "it featured", "it displayed", or simply describe the subject's qualities directly. For example, instead of "The painting was characterized by vibrant colors", you could say "The painting featured vibrant colors" or "The painting's vibrant colors made it stand out".

Is "it was characterized by" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "it was characterized by" is appropriate for formal and academic writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe the defining features of a subject. However, be mindful of overusing passive voice in your writing; consider active alternatives when possible.

What's the difference between "it was characterized by" and "it was marked by"?

While both phrases are similar, "it was characterized by" generally refers to the essential qualities or traits that define something. "It was marked by", on the other hand, often highlights distinctive features or events that are noticeable or significant. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize inherent qualities or specific, noteworthy aspects.

Can I use "it is characterized by" instead of "it was characterized by"?

Yes, you can use "it is characterized by" if you are describing something in the present tense. Use "it was characterized by" when referring to something in the past.