was characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was characterised by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the defining features or qualities of a person, event, or situation in a formal context. Example: "The project was characterised by innovative design and collaborative teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was characterised by two conflicting aims.

The Economist

Winter was characterised by multi-day cyclical behaviour.

Nature

Leadsom's leadership campaign was characterised by incompetence, grandstanding and vacuity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The melt season was characterised by a diurnal cycle.

Nature

His time with the Socceroos was characterised by strict discipline.

The Guardian - Sport

Soloist Paul Watkins' interpretation was characterised by a searing intensity.

The Guardian - Music

The microstructure was characterised by TEM.

Acta Materialia

Rossetti's art was characterised by its sensuality and its medieval revivalism.

Yale University

PRS was characterised by UV, EEM and NMR spectral analysis.

Journal of Environmental Management

Additionally the microreactor unit was characterised by infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

Chemical Engineering Journal

The compound was characterised by analytical and spectral methods.

Inorganic Chemistry Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was characterised by", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the characteristics you are attributing to it are specific and supported by evidence or context.

Common error

While "was characterised by" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when appropriate, for example: 'Innovative design and collaborative teamwork characterised the project' instead of 'The project was characterised by innovative design and collaborative teamwork'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was characterised by" functions as a passive verb phrase used to attribute qualities or features to a subject. It indicates that the subject is defined or distinguished by certain characteristics. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was characterised by" is a versatile phrase used to describe and define a subject based on its prominent attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in scientific and journalistic writing. While highly functional, it's important to be mindful of passive voice and consider using active voice alternatives for a more impactful style. Understanding its nuances and exploring alternative phrasings can greatly enhance clarity and sophistication in writing. The phrase is most frequently found in "Science" and "News & Media" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was defined by

This alternative focuses on the defining aspects of something.

was marked by

This alternative highlights the noticeable features or events.

was distinguished by

This alternative emphasizes unique or notable qualities.

was known for

This alternative indicates a common perception or reputation.

featured

This is a more concise verb highlighting key attributes.

exhibited

This alternative suggests displaying particular qualities or traits.

displayed

Similar to 'exhibited', this highlights observable traits.

possessed

This implies having certain qualities or attributes.

was notable for

This emphasizes aspects worthy of attention.

was typified by

This signifies being a typical example of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was characterised by" in a sentence?

Use "was characterised by" to describe the prominent features or qualities of a subject. For example: "The meeting was characterised by lively debate."

What are some alternatives to "was characterised by"?

You can use alternatives such as "was defined by", "was marked by", or "was known for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "characterised by"?

While "was characterised by" (passive voice) is correct, using the active voice (e.g., "the era characterised") can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. Choose the voice that best suits the context and your intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "was characterised by" and "was typified by"?

"Was characterised by" describes general or prominent features, while "was typified by" suggests that something is a representative example or a standard instance of something else. The choice depends on whether you're describing general traits or typical examples.