a description was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a description was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a past instance where a description was provided or created. Example: "In the report, a description was given of the new policy changes that would affect all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Actually, with a few minutes left in "Petrouchka," I noticed that a description was lingering on my screen.

The New York Times - Arts

Can you demonstrate?" A visual re-creation wasn't possible, but a description was met only with shrugs.

The New York Times - Sports

Asked why an engineer had called the gulf well a "nightmare well," Mr. Hayward said that such a description was "unfortunate" but that the well "had been challenging — not unusually so for the Gulf of Mexico.

The New York Times

For each fault state a description was developed accordingly to UIC dictionary an in relation to [4].

European Transport Research Review

And made me see that round as a description was lazy.

Huffington Post

Steele refused to call the president's decision a "mistake," saying such a description was "in the eye of the beholder".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A description is available at www.smartire.com/fl/.com/fl/

The New York Times

Such a description isn't so far off the mark.

Independent

With all inquiries, several photographs, measurements and a description are needed.

The New York Times - Travel

Look at the footage now and it is obvious that such a description is fraudulent.

The Guardian - Sport

Time and again, a description is translated into colour, movement and feeling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a description was", ensure the passive voice is appropriate for your context. If the actor providing the description is important, consider using the active voice: "he gave a description".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the passive voice. While "a description was" is grammatically sound, active constructions often make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a description was" typically functions as part of a clause, often in the passive voice, where it indicates that a description existed or was given. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples showing its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a description was" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction, particularly in science and news media, as indicated by Ludwig. It functions primarily to introduce or acknowledge that something has been described. While versatile, it often lends itself to a neutral or formal tone, suitable for professional and academic contexts. Ludwig's examples and the related phrases offer valuable insights into alternative phrasing and stylistic considerations. While grammatically sound, be cautious of overusing the passive voice. Given the available evidence, this phrase is a reliable choice for conveying descriptive information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an account was given

Focuses on the act of giving an account rather than the description itself.

a portrayal existed

Replaces "description" with "portrayal", emphasizing the act of depicting something.

an explanation occurred

Replaces "description" with "explanation", emphasizing the act of clarifying something.

details were provided

Highlights the provision of specific details instead of a general description.

information was presented

Focuses on the presentation of information in a descriptive manner.

a report was made

Indicates a formal account or description was created.

a characterization emerged

Emphasizes the process of forming a characterization.

an outline was presented

Highlights that a summary or outline was given.

a summary was offered

Focuses on providing a brief overview or synopsis.

an image was painted

Uses a metaphor to suggest a vivid and descriptive representation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a description was" to use active voice?

You can rephrase it to active voice by specifying who provided the description, such as "The author provided "a description"" or "She offered "a description"".

What are some alternatives to "a description was"?

Alternatives include "an account was given", "details were provided", or "an explanation occurred", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a description was given" or "a description was provided"?

Both "a description was given" and "a description was provided" are correct. The choice depends on stylistic preference. "Provided" might sound slightly more formal.

How does "a description was" compare to "there was a description"?

"A description was" emphasizes the existence or act of describing, while "there was a description" simply points to the presence of a description. The former is often used when the description itself is important.