was characterized by

USAGE SUMMARY

"was characterized by" is a correctly formed phrase that is suitable for use in written English.
It is mostly used to describe a situation or period of time, and is usually followed by a noun or an adjective. For example, "The 1980s in America was characterized by an increased appetite for consumer goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was characterized by gentleness.

The New York Times

His early career was characterized by failure.

The New York Times

John's reign was characterized by failure.

Britannica

This conference was characterized by resurrections, not hot debuts.

The New York Times - Arts

His authoritarian rule was characterized by contradictory trends.

The New York Times

Instead, Marbury's Knicks career was characterized by controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

The town, it concluded, was characterized by deep-seated racism.

The New Yorker

REM sleep was characterized by a relative lack of atonia...

The New York Times - Magazine

The Nixon Administration was characterized by, among other things, fragmentation.

The New Yorker

The entire debate was characterized by a walled-in myopia.

The New Yorker

The hearing was characterized by an unmistakable air of disarray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was characterized by", ensure that the following noun or noun phrase clearly and accurately describes the prominent quality or feature you intend to highlight. For example, "The era was characterized by rapid technological advancement."

Common error

Avoid using "was characterized by" with vague or overly general terms. Ensure the characteristics are specific and clearly identifiable. For example, instead of "The project was characterized by challenges", specify what those challenges were: "The project was characterized by unforeseen technical challenges and resource constraints."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was characterized by" functions as a linking verb that connects a subject to a descriptive attribute or quality. This phrase indicates that a particular feature was prominent or typical of the subject, as seen in Ludwig examples demonstrating its use in describing eras, events, and scientific properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was characterized by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the defining attributes of a subject, typically in past contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for use in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related content, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subsequent description is specific and informative, avoiding vague generalizations. Alternatives such as "was defined by" or "was marked by" can provide stylistic variation while maintaining semantic accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was distinguished by

Replaces 'characterized' with 'distinguished', focusing on notable differences.

was marked by

Substitutes 'characterized' with 'marked', emphasizing prominent features or events.

was defined by

Replaces 'characterized' with 'defined', indicating core aspects.

featured

Condenses the phrase to a single verb, highlighting prominent attributes or aspects.

was notable for

Shifts the focus to what made the subject particularly remarkable.

exhibited

Uses 'exhibited' to showcase displayed qualities or behaviors.

displayed

Similar to 'exhibited', but more generally indicates visible traits.

was known for

Highlights the attributes or qualities that a subject is commonly recognized for.

possessed

Replaces the phrase with a verb emphasizing inherent qualities or attributes.

consisted of

Indicates composition, focusing on the elements that make up the subject's character.

FAQs

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

Use "was characterized by" to describe the main qualities or features of something, such as an era, event, or person. For example: "The Renaissance "was characterized by" a renewed interest in classical art and literature".

What are some alternatives to "was characterized by"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "was defined by", "was marked by", or simply using a verb like "featured" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was characterized by" or "is characterized by"?

The choice depends on the time frame you are referring to. Use "was characterized by" for past events or periods, and "is characterized by" for current or ongoing situations.

What does it mean when something "was characterized by" a certain trait?

It means that the trait was a prominent or distinctive feature of that thing. It implies that this trait was significantly noticeable or influential.