a little description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little description" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a brief explanation or illustration of something. Example: "Before we begin, let me give you a little description of what to expect from this presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mike Bender (No. 9) added: "You should arm the instructor with a little description of your typical game.

The New York Times

Well, I was trying to think of ways that he could look, and there's a little description in the book – white overalls, pink shirt, cowboy boots… that's all.

The Guardian - Film

Click on the blue balloon symbol on the top left-hand corner of the map and drag and drop a coloured balloon to the area you wish to alert people too – then add a little description of the hazard you expect.

The Guardian

10 48 There's a little description of how it works --seems like Amazon's EC2 servers cache common files of web pages so your device doesn't have to constantly reload them.

Forbes

And if you're still not sure what the hell we do at Disrupt, here's a little description: We bring you the scrappy startups and the visionary leaders that are here to bulldoze the old guard and build the future.

TechCrunch

Some political donors spice their true occupations with a little description.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

There have been few case reports of an intracorporeal diversion and little description of the technique of such a procedure.

European Urology

And while the situations vary, the books sound pretty much the same, offering first-person, affectless accounts of a troubled time, with little description or artfulness.

The New York Times

If my little description generates an irritated yawn, skip both the book and this review.

Los Angeles Times

Objectives: A review of the literature reveals little description of the advisory role of the health visitor in the child health clinic.

Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing

Initially I was like, "Why am I writing about a USB cable?" Then I read the little description and was like, "Oh, neat".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little description" to introduce supplementary details without overwhelming the reader with exhaustive explanations.

Common error

Avoid substituting "a little description" for specific details when clarity is essential. While brevity is useful, ensure your description still provides sufficient information to be meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little description" functions as a noun phrase that acts as an object or complement in a sentence. It typically refers to a brief or concise explanation of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and provides numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little description" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for referring to a brief explanation or account. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples show its application across various domains like news, media, and academic writing. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for many contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "brief explanation" or "quick overview" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brief explanation

This alternative focuses on the conciseness of the explanation.

Short account

This alternative emphasizes the narrative aspect of the description.

Quick overview

This alternative highlights the summarization aspect of the description.

Small write-up

This alternative emphasizes the written form of the description.

Concise summary

This alternative stresses brevity and summarization.

Brief outline

This alternative suggests a structural overview.

Short depiction

This alternative emphasizes the visual or figurative aspect.

Miniature portrayal

This alternative highlights a small-scale representation.

Succinct explanation

This alternative emphasizes the clarity and brevity.

A quick rundown

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little description" to introduce a brief explanation or overview of something. For example, "The guide offers "a little description" of each landmark".

What are some alternatives to "a little description"?

Alternatives include "brief explanation", "short summary", or "quick overview", depending on the context.

Is it better to provide "a little description" or a detailed explanation?

It depends on your audience and the purpose of your communication. "A little description" is suitable when a brief overview is sufficient, while a detailed explanation is necessary when thorough understanding is required.

Can "a little description" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a little description" can be used in formal writing, but it's important to ensure that the level of detail is appropriate for the context. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "concise summary" might be preferable.