They describe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "They describe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to what someone or something explains or outlines about a subject or topic. Example: "In the report, they describe the various methods used in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They describe devoted professors.

The New York Times

They describe gay and glamorous parties.

The New Yorker

"They describe themselves as reverts.

The New York Times

They describe what you wear".

The New York Times

They describe how fluids move.

The Guardian

They describe Molenbeek as "a different country".

The Guardian - Film

"They describe it as physical chess.

The New York Times - Sports

They describe themselves as "incredibly boring" people.

The New York Times

They describe the symptoms, not the disease.

The New York Times

They describe their father as a "martyr".

The Guardian

They describe their investing philosophy as "good value, good news".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "They describe", ensure that the description provided by the group is consistent or that variations are explicitly noted for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "They describe" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure your audience knows exactly who is providing the description to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "They describe" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces what a group or collective is saying or outlining about a subject. Ludwig examples show diverse applications, from describing people's opinions to outlining scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "They describe" is a versatile reporting verb phrase used to convey that multiple individuals or sources are providing a description, explanation, or account of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the subject "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives such as "They explain" or "They detail" may offer subtle nuances, "They describe" remains a standard and effective choice for indicating a collective perspective. Its frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

They explain

Focuses more on making something clear and understandable, differing slightly in emphasis from describing.

They illustrate

Emphasizes providing examples or visual representations, adding a layer of specificity beyond a general description.

They detail

Highlights a comprehensive and thorough account, suggesting a more in-depth examination than simply describing.

They outline

Indicates a structured and organized presentation, implying a planned and systematic approach to the description.

They characterize

Focuses on identifying the key attributes or qualities of something, giving a specific angle to the description.

They present

Implies a more formal introduction or display of information, diverging slightly from the act of pure description.

They recount

Suggests narrating or telling a story, adding a temporal dimension that might be absent in a static description.

They portray

Emphasizes representing something in a particular way, often with an artistic or interpretive slant.

They define

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or scope, which is a more specific function than general description.

They depict

Emphasizes a visual or artistic representation, which goes beyond a simple verbal description.

FAQs

How to use "They describe" in a sentence?

Use "They describe" to indicate that multiple entities are providing a description. For example, "Researchers "they describe" the process as complex and multifaceted."

What can I say instead of "They describe"?

You can use alternatives like "They explain", "They detail", or "They illustrate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "They describe" in formal writing?

"They describe" is suitable for formal writing as long as the subject "they" is clearly defined and the context is appropriate. In some cases, naming the individuals or sources may be preferable for added clarity and authority.

What's the difference between "They describe" and "It describes"?

"They describe" indicates multiple entities are providing a description, whereas "It describes" refers to a single entity. For example, "They describe the features of the product" versus "The manual "it describes" the features of the product".