a vivid description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vivid description" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a description that is particularly detailed, engaging, or imaginatively written. For example, "The author gave a vivid description of the protagonist's home, painting a picture in the reader's mind of a warm and inviting atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is also a vivid description of how astronomers work and how ideas develop.

Nature

Taylor provides a vivid description of Nuffield's "golden era" in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Guardian

Da Vinci wrote a vivid description of how Tuscans slaughtered pigs by cutting their throats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) can provide a vivid description of the buckling of box panels, e.g. during box compression tests.

Composite Structures

AMONG the celebrated phrases of 1986, "glut economy" made the list as a vivid description of an unsettling situation.

The New York Times

The Army's official history of the conflict opened with a vivid description of his tank crew in action that day.

The Washington Post

"She gave a vivid description of the woman's look of joy when she fed her ice cream," Mr. Coffin recalls.

The New York Times

Additionally, students individually write a vivid description of their model, emphasizing the relationship between animals and humans being depicted.

The New York Times

Jean C. Monty has a vivid description of how Bell Canada Enterprises would look if it were an American company.

The New York Times

Luke has a vivid description of the scene and reports a detailed narration of how the clash played out.

The Guardian

Samuel Warren and Louis Brandeis open their seminal article The Right to Privacy with a vivid description of technologic change.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impact, use "a vivid description" to help your reader visualize and connect emotionally with the subject. This is especially effective in creative writing or persuasive arguments.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming your audience with too many unnecessary details when using "a vivid description". Focus on selecting the most impactful sensory elements to create a clear and engaging image without losing the reader's attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vivid description" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., 'provides', 'offers', 'gives') or as a complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and its examples demonstrate varied applications across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vivid description" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that enriches writing by creating clear, memorable images for the reader. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and applicable across diverse writing contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Academic writing and can be used to help your reader visualize and connect emotionally with the subject. However, writers should avoid overusing sensory details and instead focus on selecting only the most impactful details. Alternatives like "a detailed account" or "a graphic portrayal" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a striking portrayal

Emphasizes the notable or remarkable aspects of the description.

a graphic portrayal

Implies a strong visual or impactful depiction, often more intense.

a colorful depiction

Suggests richness and variety in the details, with a focus on aesthetics.

a detailed account

Focuses on thoroughness and precision rather than the evocative nature.

a lively illustration

Implies vibrancy and energy in the way something is described.

a compelling narrative

Focuses on the storytelling aspect, emphasizing engagement and interest.

a telling characterization

Emphasizes the revelation of character traits through the description.

a memorable representation

Highlights the lasting impact and recall value of the description.

a realistic depiction

Suggests accuracy and faithfulness to reality.

an explicit explanation

Focuses on clarity and directness, removing ambiguity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vivid description" to introduce a detailed and engaging account of something. For example, "The book provided "a vivid description" of the protagonist's journey".

What are some alternatives to "a vivid description"?

Some alternatives include "a detailed account", "a graphic portrayal", or "a colorful depiction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a description "vivid"?

A "vivid" description uses sensory details and evocative language to create a clear and engaging image in the reader's mind, making the subject feel real and immediate.

Is there a difference between "a vivid description" and "a detailed description"?

While both provide a lot of information, "a vivid description" focuses on engaging the senses and creating an immersive experience, whereas "a detailed description" emphasizes thoroughness and completeness. Therefore, while they might be used as synonyms, there is a subtle difference.