to be characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be characterized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the defining features or qualities of a subject or object. Example: "The novel can be characterized as a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither deserves to be characterized as "back-scratching".

The New York Times

Medieval philosophy continued to be characterized by this religious orientation.

Britannica

Peasant agriculture is often said to be characterized by inertia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The industry has also come to be characterized by outsourcing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How is his religious behaviour to be characterized?

Encyclopedia Britannica

New York bathrooms used to be characterized by their cramped confines and malodorous atmosphere.

The New York Times - Food

If his food had to be characterized, it could be called -- well, no, it can't be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Clearly, the potential for hazard remains to be characterized.

Reproductive Toxicology

However, they have yet to be characterized in controlled studies.

Biological Psychiatry

Building new items of heavy equipment also appears to be characterized by learning.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

By what characteristics would you like his presidency to be characterized?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be characterized" when you want to highlight the most important or defining qualities of a subject. This phrase is particularly useful in academic and scientific writing where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "to be characterized" in informal or conversational writing. Simpler alternatives like "to be described" or "to seem" may be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be characterized" is that of a passive infinitive phrase. It's typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate how a subject is defined or recognized based on its qualities, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be characterized" is a versatile infinitive phrase frequently employed to define subjects by their key attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in science and news media. While highly valuable for precision in formal writing, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in more casual settings. Remember to prioritize accuracy when pinpointing the defining qualities, but avoid overusing the phrase in contexts where a more straightforward description would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be defined

Focuses more on setting boundaries or limits, rather than describing qualities.

to be described

A more general term for giving an account of something, lacking the nuance of identifying key features.

to be identified

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or distinguishing something, rather than detailing its nature.

to be classified

Implies a systematic arrangement into groups or categories, rather than a description of qualities.

to be labeled

Focuses on assigning a name or designation, often without deeper explanation.

to be distinguished

Highlights the act of noticing differences and unique attributes.

to be known as

Highlights common knowledge and widely recognized traits of something.

to be regarded as

Refers to subjective evaluation or popular opinion about something.

to be considered

Implies an assessment or judgment is being made about something.

to be represented as

Focuses on how something is portrayed or depicted, not necessarily its inherent nature.

FAQs

How can I use "to be characterized" in a sentence?

Use "to be characterized" when you want to describe the defining features or qualities of a subject. For instance, "The economic downturn can "to be described" as a period of significant job losses and reduced consumer spending".

What can I say instead of "to be characterized"?

You can use alternatives like "to be defined", ""to be described"", or "to be identified" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be characterized"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts, where you want to highlight the key attributes or defining features of a subject. However, in informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives for clarity.

What's the difference between "to be characterized" and ""to be described""?

"To be characterized" implies a focus on the defining or most important qualities, while ""to be described"" is a more general term for giving an account of something. Use "to be characterized" when precision and highlighting key features are important.