actual description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a true or factual account of something, often to distinguish it from a hypothetical or vague description. Example: "The actual description of the event was far more detailed than the summary provided in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is more a caricature than an actual description.

The New York Times

I never imagined that anyone would take this as an actual description of an actual person.

The New York Times - Books

"Although Joanna's book is wonderful," Ms. Haskell said, "the actual description of the work is what her husband would have said".

The New York Times - Style

Again, however, there is a scholarly dispute as to whether the aforementioned specifications are merely an ideal or an actual description.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Black-box thinking of software systems and their development with no actual description of what is implemented and how may make the research results obsolete.

Behavior Change Research and Theory Psychological and Technological Perspectives

"Arafat Struggles to Control Hamas" (news article, Oct. 10) is praiseworthy in its actual description of the goals of Hamas: "First drive the Israelis out of the West Bank, and Gaza Strip, then drive them out of the Middle East".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But let me list a few of what you might call revisionist westerns, or actual descriptions of the west.

The Guardian - Film

You need to compare them with the actual descriptions in the course catalog, and find the original text that corresponds to the highlighted phrases.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I started to look for articles and images about this process and found lots of advice, but very few actual descriptions of the unsettling shift in identity I was experiencing….

The New Yorker

Historians have often noted that the most ringing phrases in the Declaration of Independence -- the assertion of self-evident truths -- are really philosophical propositions rather than actual descriptions of the human condition in late-18th-century America.

The New York Times

The service builder uses implementation patterns to assist with the process of transforming the guidelines into actual descriptions, not yet efficiently executable.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "actual description" to differentiate between an idealized version and the reality of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "actual description" when "description" alone suffices. The word "actual" should only be included when contrasting with a hypothetical or inaccurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual description" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a portrayal or account that is based on fact and reality, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual description" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize that a portrayal is based on reality, contrasting it with assumptions or misrepresentations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to highlight the accuracy and veracity of information. While synonyms like "factual account" and "accurate portrayal" offer similar meanings, "actual description" is particularly useful when the distinction between reality and speculation is crucial. It's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding redundancy by only including "actual" when it adds necessary emphasis. The phrase is found in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability and neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factual account

Highlights the truthfulness and reliance on facts.

exact representation

Highlights the meticulous accuracy of the depiction.

true representation

Focuses on the genuine and faithful character of the depiction.

faithful depiction

Stresses the loyalty and adherence to the original subject.

accurate portrayal

Emphasizes precision and correctness in depicting something.

precise account

Highlights the exactness and attention to detail in the description.

verifiable account

Highlights that the description can be confirmed with evidence.

genuine portrayal

Emphasizes the sincerity and lack of artificiality in the description.

authentic portrayal

Stresses the genuineness and lack of fabrication in the description.

realistic depiction

Stresses the authenticity and lifelike quality of a representation.

FAQs

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

You can use "actual description" to emphasize the factual nature of a portrayal, as in, "The book provided an "actual description" of the historical events."

What is a good substitute for "actual description"?

Alternatives include "factual account", "accurate portrayal", or "true representation", depending on the context.

When should I use "actual description" instead of just "description"?

Use "actual description" when you want to highlight that the description is based on reality and not an assumption, interpretation, or fabrication.

Is "actual description" redundant?

While "description" often implies accuracy, "actual description" is used for emphasis, especially when distinguishing from something hypothetical or misrepresented. It adds clarity when precision is crucial.