I described that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I described that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as a way to communicate that you have provided a detailed account of a particular thing. For example, you might say "I described that the house had a white picket fence, yellow shutters, and a green front door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"When I described that person, I realized I was describing Chris," she said.

The New York Times - Style

It's as simple as that". In a column I described that statement as an example of legal "reasoning" distorted by ideology.

The New York Times

I described that trip in a column, noting that hunters' rights and potential inconveniences are often mentioned by opponents to new restrictions on firearms.

The New York Times

But a few days after I described that experience in a column, I received e-mail from a reader: "Two things: 1. You'd do better on eBay if you bid at the last second (called sniping, I think).

The New York Times - Tech

I described that sequence for the 1930s in my May 25 column.

Forbes

That's kind of what I was thinking when I described that kind of hallucination.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

How shall I describe that day?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How can I describe that color created by Poseidon to stir asunder a body of water so unique?

Huffington Post

"Tony's described as bigger than life; I hope I'm never described that way," Johnson says frostily.

Forbes

But I was a little on the shy side, and I hated being described that way.

Huffington Post

No, I've never heard her described that way either.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I described that" when you want to refer back to something you've already provided details about. It assures the audience you're building upon previous information.

Common error

Avoid using "I described that" repeatedly within a short span of writing. Instead, use synonyms like "as mentioned above" or "previously detailed" to maintain writing flow and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I described that" functions as an independent clause, connecting a speaker's action of describing something to a specific detail or event. Ludwig confirms its validity. It signals a reference to previously provided information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I described that" is a versatile phrase used to refer back to previously provided information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news media, academia, and science. While authoritative sources frequently employ it, it's important to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives like "I explained that" or "I mentioned that" can enhance writing flow. This phrase serves as a connection between ideas, ensuring the audience understands the context being built upon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I explained that

Focuses on making something understandable, differing from a simple account.

I recounted that

Emphasizes the act of narrating a sequence of events.

I detailed that

Highlights providing comprehensive information.

I specified that

Highlights making something definite and precise.

I mentioned that

Signifies a brief or casual reference.

I outlined that

Focuses on presenting the main features or structure.

I reported that

Implies conveying information, often officially.

I illustrated that

Emphasizes clarifying through examples or visuals.

I clarified that

Underscores removing ambiguity or confusion.

I conveyed that

Focuses on communicating an idea or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "I described that" in a sentence?

You can use "I described that" to refer to something you have previously provided details about. For example: "I described that the process was complex; now, let's discuss the results".

What can I say instead of "I described that"?

You can use alternatives like "I explained that", "I detailed that", or "I mentioned that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I described that" or "I describe that"?

"I described that" is used to refer to something you have already described in the past, while "I describe that" would be used if you were describing something in the present moment, such as in a narrative.

What's the difference between "I described that" and "I explained that"?

"I described that" focuses on providing a detailed account, whereas "I explained that" emphasizes making something understandable. The choice depends on whether you are simply recounting details or trying to clarify understanding.