what was characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was characterized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the attributes or features of a subject in a descriptive context. Example: "The study focused on what was characterized as the main factors influencing consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In August, Schmidt resigned from Apple's board, in what was characterized as a mutual decision.

The New Yorker

Mr. Shakur was convicted in what was characterized by prosecutors as a squabble over car payments.

The New York Times

Other factors loomed large in the consideration of what was characterized in the Western media as the "new anti-Semitism".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Franz Nissl had revolutionized tissue-staining, making various cell constituents stand out, opening up what was characterized as "a new era" of the study of brain cells and tissues.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — In what was characterized as a victory for business, the Treasury Department proposed on Friday that commonly used foreign exchange swaps and forwards should be exempted from rules intended to tighten oversight of other derivatives.

The New York Times

In February, the Edith Wharton Restoration launched what was characterized as a last-ditch Save the Mount campaign, seeking to stave off imminent foreclosure by raising three million dollars before April 24 , 2008— two years to the day since Stephanie Copeland had conducted the First Lady on a tour of the treasured property.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Moreover, much of what is characterized as Islamophobia today arises out of taking seriously the impassioned claims of doctrinal allegiance made by Islamic terrorist groups and their supporters.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Seals is part of a remarkable delegation of homeowners that Mr. Bamberger documented over 10 years in half a dozen neighborhoods in Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina: first-time homeowners living in what is characterized as "affordable housing".

The New York Times

It had been hoped a meeting of all E.R.C. representatives in Dublin on Tuesday would bring about some resolution, but despite what were characterized as "positive" talks, none of the major issues were resolved.

The New York Times - Sports

The shrinkage in operating earnings year to date is massive for what is characterized in the condensed financial statements as "other business".

Forbes

By contrast, Wallace (2006) argues that an interpretation of QFT should be based on what he calls "Lagrangian" QFT, which are close associates with what is characterized above as the pragmatic approach.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what was characterized", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the characterizing. This adds clarity and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "what was characterized" excessively, as it can lead to a passive writing style. Try to rephrase sentences to highlight the actors and their actions directly.

Linguistic Context

Noun clause functioning as a subject complement. The phrase "what was characterized" introduces information that renames or describes the subject of a clause. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was characterized" serves as a noun clause, functioning as a subject complement used to refer back to previously established descriptions or attributes. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing styles, primarily appearing in news and media as well as scientific contexts. Alternatives like "what was described" or "what was defined" can be used to add nuance. It's important to ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the characterizing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was described

Replaces "characterized" with "described", focusing on a detailed account rather than a specific categorization.

what was defined

Substitutes "characterized" with "defined", emphasizing a clear and precise meaning or scope.

what was identified

Uses "identified" instead of "characterized", highlighting the act of recognizing or pinpointing something specific.

what was labeled

Replaces "characterized" with "labeled", indicating the assignment of a descriptive term.

what was portrayed

Substitutes "characterized" with "portrayed", focusing on the way something was represented or depicted.

what was considered

Uses "considered" instead of "characterized", emphasizing a viewpoint or judgment about something.

what was regarded

Replaces "characterized" with "regarded", focusing on how something is viewed or esteemed.

what was deemed

Substitutes "characterized" with "deemed", indicating a formal judgment or assessment.

what was presented

Uses "presented" instead of "characterized", emphasizing the way something was introduced or displayed.

what was known as

Replaces "characterized" with "known as", focusing on the common or popular name for something.

FAQs

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

Use "what was characterized" to refer to something's previously mentioned attributes. For example: "The event, /s/what+was+characterized as a success, led to further initiatives".

What are some alternatives to "what was characterized"?

Alternatives include "what was described", "what was defined", or "what was labeled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "what was characterized" and "what was considered"?

"What was characterized" implies a specific description or attribute assigned, while "what was considered" suggests a judgment or opinion. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Can I use "what was characterized" in formal writing?

Yes, "what was characterized" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a clear and objective way to refer to previously mentioned descriptions or attributes. However, ensure the context is clear and the characterization is well-supported.