marked by

USAGE SUMMARY

"marked by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is known, recognized, or distinguished by a particular characteristic. For example, "Her paintings are marked by a vibrant use of color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was marked by a small plaque.

The New Yorker

But that night was marked by hope.

The New Yorker

His domestic life was marked by tragedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Third, social unrest is marked by contagiousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His life was marked by persecutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The burial service is marked by simplicity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pauses are often marked by gestures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nearly all are marked by facial contortions.

The New York Times - Arts

Those years are also marked by silence.

The New York Times

Answers were marked by caginess.

Columbia University

Fields marked by * are required.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked by" to highlight distinctive features or characteristics that are easily recognizable. For instance, "The novel was "marked by" its innovative narrative structure."

Common error

Avoid using "marked by" to describe fleeting or temporary conditions. It's more suitable for persistent or defining attributes. For example, instead of "The day was "marked by" a brief shower", consider "The day included a brief shower."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a notable characteristic or attribute. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to point out features that define or distinguish something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marked by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight distinctive characteristics or attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples shows that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While phrases like "characterized by" or "distinguished by" can serve as alternatives, "marked by" remains a clear and effective choice for emphasizing key features.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterized by

Emphasizes the presence of distinct attributes, similar to "marked by" but focuses on inherent qualities.

distinguished by

Highlights uniqueness and clear differentiation, offering a more emphatic alternative to "marked by".

known for

Focuses on reputation and common perception, a slightly less formal alternative to "marked by".

defined by

Stresses the essential qualities that establish the identity of something, more decisive than "marked by".

notable for

Emphasizes the importance or prominence of a characteristic, slightly elevating the significance compared to "marked by".

featuring

Highlights specific elements or components, a more direct and descriptive option than "marked by".

showing

Focuses on observable or demonstrable qualities, offering a visual or evidential slant compared to "marked by".

exhibiting

Highlights the display or demonstration of particular qualities, more formal than "marked by".

reflecting

Suggests that certain qualities are indicative or representative of something larger, subtly different from "marked by".

bearing

Indicates the presence of a mark or characteristic, can be used in similar contexts with a more literal connotation than "marked by".

FAQs

How can I use "marked by" in a sentence?

Use "marked by" to indicate a distinguishing feature or characteristic of something. For example, "The historical period was "marked by" significant social change."

What are some alternatives to "marked by"?

You can use alternatives like "characterized by", "distinguished by", or "known for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "marked by" or "characterized by"?

"Marked by" and "characterized by" are often interchangeable, but "characterized by" emphasizes the overall nature or quality, while "marked by" simply highlights a prominent feature.

What's the difference between "marked by" and "affected by"?

"Marked by" denotes a defining characteristic, while "affected by" implies influence or impact. For example, "The region was "marked by" its unique architecture", versus "The region was affected by the economic downturn".