which is characterized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is characterized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific quality or feature of something in a more formal context. Example: "The painting, which is characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, captures the essence of the artist's style."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, the disease of alcoholism, which is characterized by denial, prevented this from occurring.

The New York Times

(Policy debate, which is characterized by almost incomprehensibly rapid talking, has long been a male preserve).

The New York Times

"Slow" pain, which is characterized by dull, aching pain, and results in no withdrawal reflex.

University of California, Berkeley

My work concerns comparative cognitive neuroscience, which is characterized by two related approaches.

Cornell University

The Triads is a secret Chinese underground organization, which is characterized by criminal activities for profit.

Stanford University

"Fast" pain, which is characterized by sharp, piercing pain, and results in a quick withdrawal reflex.

University of California, Berkeley

Kamsky played the London System, which is characterized by White's early development of his bishop to f4.

The New York Times

This condition has two forms: Hashimoto thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease), which is characterized by goitre (enlargement of the thyroid), and atrophic thyroiditis, which is characterized by shrinkage of the thyroid gland.

Britannica

The Stellenbosch was followed by the Fauresmith, which is characterized by evolved hand axes and Levallois-type flakes.

Britannica

Mr. Seidemann suggested that Mr. Hernandez might instead have intermittent explosive disorder, which is characterized by angry and violent outbursts.

The New York Times

Locomotive decline is primarily caused by skeletal muscle aging, which is characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength23.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is characterized" to provide a clear and concise description of a subject's key attributes, ensuring the reader understands the defining features being discussed.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "which is characterized". Occasionally rephrase to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style, such as "the disease features frequent swings in blood sugar levels" instead of "the disease, which is characterized by frequent swings in blood sugar levels".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is characterized" functions as a relative clause that modifies a noun, providing additional information about its defining attributes. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase helps to elaborate on the qualities that distinguish a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is characterized" is a versatile relative clause used to describe the defining attributes of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. While effective, it's essential to vary sentence structure and avoid overusing passive constructions by considering alternatives like "that is defined by" or "that is marked by". Remember to choose "which" for nonrestrictive clauses and "that" for restrictive clauses to ensure clarity in your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "which is characterized" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is defined by

Focuses on definition rather than characteristic, slightly changing the emphasis.

that is marked by

Emphasizes noticeable or distinctive features.

that is known for

Highlights widely recognized or famous attributes.

that features

Directly points out the presence of specific attributes.

that exhibits

Emphasizes observable qualities or behaviors.

that displays

Similar to exhibits, but often used for visual characteristics.

that embodies

Suggests that something represents or exemplifies a certain quality.

that encapsulates

Implies that something captures the essence of a set of characteristics.

that is typified by

Highlights typical or representative features.

that is distinguished by

Focuses on unique or differentiating traits.

FAQs

How can I use "which is characterized" in a sentence?

Use "which is characterized" to define a specific quality or feature of a subject. For example, "Cystic fibrosis, which is characterized by thick, abnormal mucus in the lungs, affects about 30,000 Americans".

What are some alternatives to "which is characterized"?

You can use alternatives like "that is defined by", "that is marked by", or "that is known for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "which is characterized by" or "that is characterized by"?

"Which is characterized by" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information. "That is characterized by" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for defining the subject. Use "which" when the information is extra, and "that" when it's crucial for identification.

What's the difference between "which is characterized by" and "which is defined by"?

"Which is characterized by" describes notable attributes, while "which is defined by" establishes essential qualities. The former highlights features, whereas the latter establishes a firm definition.