were characterised by

USAGE SUMMARY

"were characterised by" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that has been categorised or defined by particular characteristics. Example: The new range of products were characterised by their bright, vivid colours.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many were characterised by a playful, party atmosphere.

The Guardian

The surfaces were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Thin Solid Films

The grown crystals were characterised by various techniques.

Journal of Crystal Growth

The agglomerated granules were characterised by different size fractions.

Journal of Food Engineering

Specimens were characterised by biomechanical testing, microcomputed tomography and histology.

Biomaterials

Many early campaigns in India in the 18th century were characterised by sepoy disaffection.

The Guardian - Books

Those early years of our young republic were characterised by chaos and confusion.

The Guardian

"The general elections were characterised by high voter turnout and orderly conduct of the elections proceedings.

The Guardian

The days were characterised by a 6am departure and a fast ascent.

The Guardian - Travel

The intervening two and a half centuries were characterised by vaulting imperial ambition and achievement.

The Guardian - Arts

The early years of Serco were characterised by a sense of limitlessness.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were characterised by", ensure that the characteristics you mention are clearly linked to the subject and provide meaningful insight. Be specific rather than general to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "were characterised by" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to add strength and directness to your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were characterised by" functions as a linking verb phrase in the passive voice. It connects the subject of a sentence to a description of its defining attributes or qualities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were characterised by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing defining features, used across a range of formal contexts including science and news media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase. When writing, ensure its appropriate use in describing key attributes and consider active voice alternatives for stronger prose. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "were characterised by" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were marked by

Focuses on distinctive features or events that define a period or object, similar to characterizing but emphasizing prominence.

were defined by

Highlights essential qualities that determine the nature of something, rather than just typical features.

were distinguished by

Emphasizes unique or noticeable aspects that set something apart from others.

were known for

Highlights widely recognized qualities or actions associated with a subject.

were notable for

Emphasizes remarkable or significant aspects.

were typical of

Focuses on traits that are commonly observed or representative of a group or time.

featured

This is a simplified version of the query, just focusing on the aspects something included. Using the single verb 'featured' makes the sentence more concise.

were exemplified by

Indicates that specific instances serve as clear examples of a broader characteristic.

were reflective of

Indicates something mirrors or represents specific qualities or conditions.

were emblematic of

Suggests something symbolizes or represents a quality or concept, often on a larger scale.

FAQs

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

Use "were characterised by" to describe the key features or attributes of something, for example: "The 1920s "were characterised by" economic prosperity and social change."

What are some alternatives to "were characterised by"?

Alternatives include "were marked by", "were defined by", or "were known for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "were characterised by" is in passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, consider using active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "The experiment was characterised by several errors", you could say "Several errors characterised the experiment".

What's the difference between "were characterised by" and "were influenced by"?

"Were characterised by" describes the defining features of something, while "were influenced by" indicates what had an effect on it. The phrase "were influenced by" focuses on causal factors rather than inherent qualities.