a description

USAGE SUMMARY

"a description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that provides information about a person, place, or thing. For example: "The novel was filled with vivid descriptions of the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a)Description of property.

Cornell University

It's a description".

Independent

It's a description of movement.

The New York Times

What a description!

The New Yorker

Gives a description of the pair.

The New Yorker

That's probably too generous a description.

The New York Times

Police have a description of a suspect.

The New York Times

They have a description of the suspect.

The New York Times

Unprecedented is a description, not an analysis.

The New York Times

There: a description of Mr. Goldberg specifically.

The New York Times - Arts

"Vivid" is too tame a description.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a description, focus on using vivid and precise language to create a clear and engaging picture for your audience.

Common error

Don't rely on overly general adjectives like "good" or "interesting." Instead, use specific details and sensory language to make your description more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a description" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to the act or result of describing something, providing details or characteristics. This is consistent with Ludwig's AI which determines it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a description" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to informal communication. The phrase's primary function is to provide details and characteristics about a subject, and it appears most commonly in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. Remember to use vivid and specific language when crafting your descriptions for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portrayal

Focuses on representing something in detail, often visually or artistically.

a depiction

Similar to portrayal, but can also refer to a more schematic or symbolic representation.

an account

Emphasizes a narrative or recounting of events or characteristics.

a characterization

Highlights the act of defining or categorizing someone or something based on specific traits.

an explanation

Focuses on clarifying the meaning or cause of something, often including descriptive elements.

a profile

Highlights specific aspects or features to create a comprehensive view.

a rundown

Implies a concise summary or overview, often used in informal contexts.

a summary

Indicates a brief overview of the key points or features.

a sketch

Suggests a rough or incomplete description, often used literally or figuratively.

a specification

Details the required or expected attributes, often in technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a description" in a sentence?

Use "a description" to introduce details about a subject. For example, "The police provided "a description" of the suspect" or "He gave "a description" of the event".

What's the difference between "a description" and "an explanation"?

"A description" focuses on detailing the characteristics or appearance of something, while "an explanation" aims to clarify why or how something happens. The former provides details, the latter provides reasons.

Which is the correct plural form: "descriptions" or "description"?

The correct plural form of "a description" is "descriptions". For example, "The book contains detailed descriptions of the landscape".

What are some synonyms for "a description" that I can use to vary my writing?

Alternatives include "a portrayal", "an account", or "a depiction", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.