a description of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a description of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a detailed explanation of something. For example, "The author offered a description of the man's personality that was quite accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a)Description of property.

Cornell University

It's a description of movement.

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

There: a description of Mr. Goldberg specifically.

The New York Times - Arts

Gives a description of the pair.

The New Yorker

It's a description of invisibility.

The Washington Post

A description of the program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is a description of fact.

The New York Times

(A description of frog-licking, for example).

The Guardian

It's a description of what Colombia is".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a description of" with precise language. Avoid vague adjectives and instead use specific and evocative words to create a vivid mental image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using generic terms when providing "a description of" something. For example, instead of saying "It was a nice place", specify what made it nice: "It was a charming cottage with a flower-filled garden and a view of the sea."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a description of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a detailed account or explanation of a particular subject. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from property descriptions to abstract concepts. The phrase sets the stage for providing specific information about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a description of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce detailed accounts across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its frequency in academic, news, and scientific sources highlights its importance in formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure your descriptions are clear, specific, and tailored to your audience to maximize understanding and engagement. Consider using alternatives like "an account of" or "a portrayal of" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an account of

Replaces "description" with "account", focusing on a narrative or report.

a portrayal of

Substitutes "description" with "portrayal", emphasizing the representation or depiction of something.

a depiction of

Similar to "portrayal", but can refer to both visual and verbal representations.

an explanation of

Focuses on clarifying or making something understandable.

a characterization of

Implies defining the characteristics of someone or something.

a detailing of

Highlights the act of providing specific details.

a presentation of

Highlights the act of formally introducing or showing something.

a rundown of

Suggests a quick and concise summary.

a summary of

Emphasizes a brief overview of the main points.

an outline of

Focuses on the structure and main elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a description of" to introduce details about a subject. For example, "The book included "a description of" the local flora and fauna".

What are some alternatives to "a description of"?

Alternatives include "an account of", "a portrayal of", or "an explanation of", depending on the specific context.

How detailed should "a description of" be?

The level of detail in "a description of" depends on the purpose and audience. It should be thorough enough to convey the necessary information without being overwhelming.

What is the difference between "a description of" and "a summary of"?

"A description of" provides more comprehensive details, while "a summary of" offers a brief overview. A description aims to give a complete picture, whereas a summary highlights the main points.