were characterized for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were characterized for" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "were characterized by." Example: "The species were characterized by their unique adaptations to the environment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The formulations were characterized for particle size and encapsulation efficiency.

Food Chemistry

Formulations were characterized for physical properties and tribological behavior.

Wear

Pellets were characterized for physico-mechanical properties viz.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

The developed dendrimeric formulations were characterized for size, loading efficiency.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

The as-processed samples were characterized for microstructure and texture.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

Powders were characterized for size, morphology, flowability and aerodynamic properties.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

These cells were characterized for their stem-cell properties.

Methods

Deposits were characterized for its structure, morphology and hardness.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The networks were characterized for mechanical and swell characteristics.

Polymer

The hybrid CNT/IGZO-integrated circuits were characterized for their electrical performance as described in later sections of this report.

Nature

Terpolymers were characterized for composition, conversion, molecular weight and glass transition temperature, latexes were characterized for viscosity and particle size while adhesives were characterized for tack, peel strength, shear strength, storage modulus, loss modulus and tan delta.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "were characterized by" to accurately convey that something is defined or described by specific attributes. For example, "The samples were characterized by their high purity levels."

Common error

Avoid using "for" after "characterized". The correct preposition is "by". Using "for" can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences and confuse the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were characterized for" functions as a passive verb phrase aiming to describe specific features or qualities attributed to a subject. While widely used as Ludwig AI underlines, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect; "were characterized by" is the correct form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were characterized for" is frequently used, especially in scientific literature. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English; the correct phrasing is "were characterized by". Despite its common usage, particularly in science, opting for "were characterized by" ensures grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "were defined by", "were marked by", or "were identified by" can also be considered depending on the context to describe the specific properties or qualities of something. While prevalent, strive for "were characterized by" to maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were defined by

Emphasizes the essential characteristics that determine the nature of something.

were marked by

Highlights notable features or indicators.

were distinguished by

Focuses on unique qualities that set something apart.

were identified by

Focuses on the features that distinguish something.

were tested for

Highlights the attributes or features that were examined.

were known by

Implies a recognition or understanding based on certain attributes.

were classified according to

Emphasizes the classification or grouping based on particular attributes.

were assessed for

Indicates that something was evaluated with respect to a specific quality.

were notable for

Highlights characteristics that make something remarkable or worthy of attention.

were evaluated regarding

Indicates the assessment of the parameters.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use with "were characterized"?

The correct preposition to use is "by", as in "were characterized by". The phrase "were characterized for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

What does "were characterized by" mean?

It means that something is defined or distinguished by certain qualities or features. For example, a species might be characterized by its unique adaptations.

Are there alternatives to "were characterized by"?

Yes, alternatives include "were defined by", "were marked by", or "were identified by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "were characterized for" in any context?

While frequently used, especially in scientific contexts, Ludwig AI marks "were characterized for" as incorrect in standard written English. It's generally better to use "were characterized by".