that was characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was characterized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a specific quality or feature of something in the past. Example: "The event that was characterized by a sense of unity brought the community together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Collins said she deplored the "sluggish initial response that was characterized by a confusing lack of unity of command".

The New York Times

In root cells, HS triggered an iron-dependent cell death pathway that was characterized by depletion of GSH and ascorbic acid and accumulation of cytosolic and lipid ROS.

Stanford University

Confrey was a star of novelty piano, an outgrowth of ragtime that was characterized by complex syncopated rhythms, adventurous harmonies and fanciful embellishments.

The New York Times - Arts

Many residents, he said, object to the development, but, he added, it has saved a place that was characterized as "a disgusting desert of empty warehouses".

The New York Times

Mattis served as an example of professionalism and stability in a White House that was characterized by unpredictability, infighting, and frequent staff turnover.

Britannica

In order to create a framework for evaluating Justice Scalia's impact on bankruptcy law, I argue that most of his bankruptcy writings exemplify a rule-based textualism that was characterized by four significant features.

Columbia University

"Do psychoanalysts know what people are talking about or just know how to let people speak for themselves?" An enterprise that was characterized, at first, by uncertainty became too certain.

The New Yorker

The suspected plot was the latest turn in an investigation that was characterized by early breakthroughs but has since failed to provide American and Yemeni officials with the hard evidence they need to win convictions.

The New York Times

But he was also influenced by Art Nouveau, the style from the turn of the 20th century that was characterized by flowing curvilinear forms and organic motifs, especially those using flowers and other plants.

The New York Times

The next evening, Mr. Brown found himself onstage with Gillespie, Parker, Bud Powell and Max Roach, the giants of bebop, the new jazz style that was characterized by intricate harmonies and lightning fast speeds.

The New York Times - Arts

Those two big personalities faced off again in an acrimonious 2012 mayoral election that was characterized by the media as "The Boris and Ken Show".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was characterized" to provide additional clarifying context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that was characterized" for trivial or insignificant details. Reserve it for features that truly define or significantly impact the subject being described to avoid diluting the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was characterized" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, providing additional information by describing a specific quality or feature of the noun in question. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's often used to add descriptive context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was characterized" serves as a relative clause to describe a defining feature or quality of something in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and news-related writing. While versatile, ensure that it truly provides additional context for the object or subject you are using it for. Related phrases like "that was defined by" or "that was marked by" can offer nuanced alternatives. Used thoughtfully, "that was characterized" enhances clarity and depth in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was distinguished by

Emphasizes unique or notable features, highlighting specific qualities that set something apart.

that was marked by

Focuses on specific events or features that were particularly noticeable or significant.

that was defined by

Highlights the essential qualities or characteristics that determine the nature of something.

that was known for

Emphasizes the well-recognized or commonly attributed features of something.

that was notable for

Highlights aspects of something that are worthy of attention or recognition.

that was exemplified by

Focuses on examples or instances that perfectly illustrate or represent something.

that was typified by

Highlights typical or representative features of something.

that was recognized by

Emphasizes the acknowledgment or identification of specific features by others.

that was identified by

Focuses on the act of pinpointing or distinguishing specific features.

that was featured with

Highlights prominent elements or attributes included in the description.

FAQs

How can I use "that was characterized" in a sentence?

Use "that was characterized" to describe a prominent feature or quality of something in the past. For example, "The meeting "that was characterized" by open discussion led to innovative solutions."

What are some alternatives to "that was characterized"?

Alternatives include "that was defined by", "that was marked by", or "that was known for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that was characterized by" or "which was characterized by"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "that" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning of the sentence), while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adds extra information). Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "that was characterized" and "that is characterized"?

"That was characterized" refers to a past state or condition, while "that is characterized" describes a present or ongoing state. For example, "The 1990s "that was characterized" by rapid technological advancements" (past), versus "The current era "that is characterized" by globalization" (present).