an accurate descriptor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an accurate descriptor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a term or phrase that precisely describes or characterizes something. Example: "The term 'sustainable development' is an accurate descriptor of our environmental goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Nigerian-American author Teju Cole updated the phrase the "white man's burden" to the "white savior industrial complex," an accurate descriptor for philanthropic cluelessness and waste, like ineffectual condom-distribution drives in India or "buy-one-give-one" schemeslling schemes.

The New York Times

Is that an accurate descriptor?

Forbes

No parent can hope to eliminate all three, but what every parent is capable of doing - and all that any parent is capable of doing - is to eliminate exactly one of the three as an accurate descriptor.

BBC

And frankly, isn't an accurate descriptor of the crisis.

Huffington Post

Even though it's an incredibly odd choice of words for some cops, "great resistance" is an accurate descriptor.

Vice

Previously supporting characters, including Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), Varys (Conleth Hill) and Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) have grown in such complexity and significance that "supporting" is no longer an accurate descriptor, while the surviving original main characters have become far more multidimensional than is traditional for an epic tale.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If there's ever been a more accurate descriptor on an artist's Facebook "about" section, you let us know, because DJ Vadim's nails it.

Vice

Despite quibbling about this probably minor point, scientists seem happy with the name and are unlikely to convene a consensus conference to come up with perhaps a more accurate descriptor.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

We need a more accurate descriptor.

The Guardian

"Outside the realm of reason and common sense" sounds like a pretty accurate descriptor of Trump's first weeks in office, or really just his Twitter feed.

Vice

And while we're at it, let's replace that phrase "having it all" with a more accurate descriptor, something like "busting our asses to make some of it work, most of the time".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an accurate descriptor" when you want to emphasize that a particular term or phrase provides a precise and correct description of something. Ensure that the descriptor aligns with the subject it describes to maintain clarity and credibility.

Common error

While "an accurate descriptor" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "precise term" or "fitting description" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an accurate descriptor" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "accurate" modifies the noun "descriptor". It serves to characterize a term or expression as being precise and correct in its representation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an accurate descriptor" is a phrase used to emphasize the precision and correctness of a term or phrase. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly news, media, and scientific writing. While useful, overuse should be avoided by considering alternative phrases such as "precise term" or "fitting description". The frequency of the expression is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise term

Emphasizes exactness and lack of ambiguity.

a fitting description

Focuses on the appropriateness and suitability of the description.

an apt characterization

Highlights the skill and relevance in the characterization.

a correct label

Stresses the factual correctness of the label.

a valid designation

Implies the legitimacy and justification of the designation.

a true representation

Focuses on the faithfulness and authenticity of the representation.

an exact portrayal

Emphasizes the meticulous and precise nature of the portrayal.

a faithful depiction

Highlights the loyalty and accuracy in the depiction.

a reliable indicator

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the indicator.

a representative term

Highlights how the term encapsulates a wider notion.

FAQs

How can I use "an accurate descriptor" in a sentence?

You can use "an accurate descriptor" to emphasize the precision and correctness of a term or phrase. For example, "The term 'sustainable development' is "an accurate descriptor" of our environmental goals."

What are some alternatives to "an accurate descriptor"?

Alternatives include "a precise term", "a fitting description", or "an apt characterization", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "an accurate descriptor" and "a good descriptor"?

"An accurate descriptor" emphasizes correctness and precision, while "a good descriptor" implies general quality and effectiveness. The former focuses on factual accuracy, whereas the latter is more subjective.

When is it appropriate to use "an accurate descriptor" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "an accurate descriptor" when you want to highlight that a specific term or phrase provides a correct and precise representation of the subject matter. This is particularly useful in academic, scientific, or technical writing where accuracy is paramount.