Sign In Get Started
Prepositions after verbs

Categorize into, by, as, in, or under?

Categorize is commonly used with into, by, and under. Other combinations may be possible in specific contexts but have different structures or meanings.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with categorize?

Categorize into is used for groups or divisions. Categorize by introduces the basis for classification. Categorize under places something within a heading or label. Categorize as is also common when assigning a role or type. Categorize in is uncommon directly after the verb.

The files were categorized into three folders.
Books are often categorized by genre.
The expense was categorized under travel costs.
Some critics categorize it as modern satire.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
categorize into + groups

Dividing things into categories

Use into when placing items in separate groups or classes.

The survey responses were categorized into five themes.
Animals can be categorized into several broad types.
2
categorize by + criterion

Showing the basis for classification

Use by to explain the system or criterion used for classification.

The data was categorized by age and income.
Recipes are often categorized by cooking time.
3
categorize as + type

Assigning a label or identity

Use as when identifying what type something is considered to be.

The medication is categorized as a controlled substance.
Many people categorize him as a realist writer.
4
categorize under + heading

Placing something within a heading

Use under for filing or listing something beneath a broader heading.

The item was categorized under office supplies.
Complaints are categorized under several service areas.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
categorize into
The articles were categorized into topics.
Standard for dividing items into groups.
categorize by
Applicants are categorized by experience level.
Standard for showing the basis of classification.
categorize as
The law categorizes the drug as illegal.
Standard for assigning a status or type.
categorize under
These costs are categorized under marketing.
Standard for filing under a heading or section.
categorize in
The phrase is uncommon in standard English.
Usually avoided directly after categorize unless in introduces a separate place or context.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in instead of into for groups

Into is the normal choice when dividing items into categories.

✕ The products were categorized in four sections. ✓ The products were categorized into four sections.

Using by for the result category

By introduces the method or criterion, not the final group.

✕ The movies were categorized by comedy and drama. ✓ The movies were categorized into comedy and drama categories.

Confusing under and as

Under refers to a heading, while as identifies a type or status.

✕ The software was categorized under essential. ✓ The software was categorized as essential.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The responses were categorized ___ age group.
2. The documents were categorized ___ three folders.
3. The article was categorized ___ opinion content.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is categorize into correct?

Yes. It is the standard pattern for dividing things into categories or groups.

What is the difference between categorize by and categorize under?

Categorize by explains the criterion used, while categorize under places something beneath a heading or section.

Can I use categorize in?

Usually not directly after the verb. Native speakers normally prefer into, by, as, or under depending on the meaning.

calculate, by, calculate, in, calculate, from "call for" or "call on"? "campaign for" or "campaign against"? cancel by, due, at, in or for? capitulate to, in, like, by or after? captivate by, for, with, from or in? "capture by" or "capture in"? "care about" or "care for"? carry with, by, in, to or into? carve into, out, in, on or with? cast in, into, for, by or on? "catch in", "catch by" or "catch on"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account