a description of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a description of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a noun previously mentioned, indicating that you are providing more information about it. Example: "The book has several chapters, a description of which can be found in the table of contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But this new summary of previously undisclosed reported abuses, a description of which was provided by a senior Defense official, widens the scope of potential wrongdoing beyond the walls of Abu Ghraib and other prisons, to the daily operations of American forces in Iraq.

The New York Times

The litany of odd behaviour also mirrored that of the children of a Boston family who in 1688 were believed to have been bewitched, a description of which had been provided by Congregational minister Cotton Mather in his book Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions (1689) and which may have been known by the girls in Salem Village.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Function C has some inherent properties, a description of which can be found thoroughly in [12].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The MICE procedure requires development of the MICE algorithm, a description of which follows.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The proposed scheme is closely related to the reference signal of data channel, a description of which is given hereafter.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Asynchronous, averaging consensus protocols have been presented in the literature and typically employ a symmetric gossip strategy (a description of which is presented in [40]).

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I want everyone to be a Democrat," he said in a description of himself, which included the information that he loves "Sports Center" "Family Guy" and "Frasier".

The New York Times

But it's the story's ending – and I don't think it's a spoiler to say that it closes with a description of snow – which provides Dubliners with its most mysterious moment.

The Guardian - Books

A survey of the nature of community in 19th-century North Carolina leads to a description of James City, which began in 1863 as a camp for escaped, destitute slaves near Union-occupied New Bern.

The New York Times - Arts

In the beginning of Arthur Miller's play there is a description of New York, which shows a change in the city: modernization.

Huffington Post

The word hysteria was used in the context of a description of countries which will not be ready until a year or two after the first year, but before the euro is introduced.

EU Parlament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a description of which", ensure the noun you are referring back to is clear to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, place the phrase as close as possible to the noun it modifies.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a description of which" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "which is described" or "described in" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a description of which" functions as a relative clause, connecting a noun phrase to additional descriptive information. As illustrated by Ludwig, it specifies that further elaboration on the previously mentioned noun will follow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a description of which" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce further details about a previously mentioned noun. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it's important to note its formal tone, making it more appropriate for academic, scientific, or journalistic writing rather than casual conversation. If a simpler or less formal tone is desired, alternatives like "which is described" or "described in" can be used. Remember to ensure clarity by placing the phrase close to the noun it modifies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a depiction of which

Replaces 'description' with 'depiction', emphasizing a visual or artistic representation rather than a textual one. It has high interchangeability with the original phrase.

details of which

Substitutes 'description' with 'details', focusing on specific pieces of information. It's suitable when you want to highlight particular aspects or elements.

an account of which

Replaces 'description' with 'account', which implies a narrative or recounting of events or characteristics. It is very similar in intent.

a portrayal of which

Changes 'description' to 'portrayal,' which suggests a presentation of someone or something, often with a specific perspective or style.

an explanation of which

Switches 'description' to 'explanation', focusing on clarifying or making something understandable. This shifts the emphasis to understanding rather than just outlining.

the specifics of which

Replaces "description" with "specifics," emphasizing precise and detailed information about the subject.

the nature of which

Instead of describing, it focuses on the fundamental qualities or essence. The emphasis is on the inherent characteristics.

the characteristics of which

Highlights the attributes or features of something instead of a general description. This is more focused on the distinct qualities.

the makeup of which

Focuses on the components or elements that constitute something. This shifts the emphasis to composition and structure.

the composition of which

Similar to 'makeup', but often used for more formal or technical contexts. The focus remains on how something is put together.

FAQs

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

Use "a description of which" to provide additional information about something you've already mentioned. For example: "The report includes several appendices, "a description of which" can be found at the end."

What are some alternatives to "a description of which"?

Consider using phrases like "which is described", "described in", or "whose description" for simpler, more direct alternatives.

Is "a description of which" formal or informal?

"A description of which" tends to be formal. In informal contexts, you might prefer something like "which describes it" or "with a description of it".

How does "a description of which" differ from "of which a description"?

"A description of which" is more common and flows more naturally in modern English. "Of which a description" is grammatically correct but sounds archaic and is rarely used.