an evocative description of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an evocative description of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a description that strongly brings to mind emotions, images, or memories. Example: "The author provided an evocative description of the sunset, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is an evocative description of the experience of reading on any screen.

The New Yorker

Hamilton's prose is remarkable, and those opening pages rival "The Education of Henry Adams" as an evocative description of the lost world of childhood.

The New Yorker

On one level, the novel is a travelogue of this journey, an evocative description of rural villages and remote country towns that few foreigners ever visit.

The New York Times - Books

The DSM committee dropped so-called passive-aggressive personality from the manual years ago, but the phrase is such an evocative description of a familiar behavior that it has become a fixture of the shared language.

The New York Times

He begins with an evocative description of the way he discovered his theme, after getting off a tram at the wrong stop in Nagasaki in 1994: "I stumbled upon a greenish moat and cluster of warehouses from an earlier century".

The Guardian - Books

A few weeks ago, Ms. Rendell wrote an essay about Benny's first day of "unkindergarten" — complete with an evocative description of that hot afternoon and the beer the parents enjoyed — for the hip online parents' magazine, Babble (babble.com).com

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The latter calls it "a soundtrack for sippin Robitussun & Alize in an abandoned cathedral, covered in a velvet blanket with a sexy stranger on a dark night", which is a suitably evocative description of a work that skilfully blends Blake's atmospheric electronics with Drake's soulful croon, and adds a little extra production on top.

The Guardian - Music

I first heard the phrase LOW HANGING FRUIT as part of the publicity campaign for my books and thought it was an apt and evocative description of the way public relations people go after the "easy" publicity mentions first.

The New York Times

This novel's "evocative description of Detroit, a city desolate in its decline, comes off as both sad and poetic at the same time" according to Kirkus Reviews.

The Guardian - Books

Then there are the wind and currents, which constantly work on the great floating, constantly changing landscape, grinding ice together, pulling pans apart, sometimes so "rapid as to equal a ship running before the wind", to cite the evocative description of the ancient Norse writer of Kongespeilet.

The Guardian

In the meantime, the evocative description of the sole above, covered in a "counterpane of the whitest cream" and "branded here and there with brown spots like the spots on the flanks of a doe" still leaves some decisions to the reader/cook.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an evocative description of" when you want to emphasize the power of a description to conjure strong emotions or vivid images in the reader's or listener's mind.

Common error

Avoid using "evocative" simply as a synonym for "detailed" or "descriptive". Ensure the description truly evokes sensory experiences or emotional responses in the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evocative description of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Its purpose is to characterize a particular description, emphasizing its ability to conjure vivid images or feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Books

18%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an evocative description of" is a noun phrase used to characterize descriptions that strongly appeal to the senses and emotions. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is grammatically sound and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not overly frequent, its use is appropriate across a variety of registers. To enhance your writing, ensure the description you label as "evocative" truly creates a vivid and memorable experience for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expressive portrayal of

Highlights the ability of the description to convey feelings and emotions.

a vivid depiction of

Emphasizes clarity and realism in the description.

a telling depiction of

Emphasizes the informative and revealing nature of the description.

a memorable representation of

Highlights the lasting impression created by the description.

a graphic portrayal of

Highlights the detailed and explicit nature of the description.

a resonant description of

Focuses on the emotional impact and lasting effect of the description.

a striking representation of

Focuses on the powerful and memorable quality of the description.

a poignant portrayal of

Highlights the emotional and often sorrowful quality of the description.

a suggestive account of

Implies that the description hints at deeper meanings or emotions.

an imaginative rendering of

Emphasizes the creative and artistic quality of the description.

FAQs

How can I use "an evocative description of" in a sentence?

Use "an evocative description of" to introduce a passage that vividly portrays something, appealing to the senses and emotions. For example, "The novel opens with an evocative description of the protagonist's childhood home."

What are some alternatives to "an evocative description of"?

You can use alternatives like "a vivid depiction of", "a graphic portrayal of", or "a striking representation of depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "an evocative and detailed description of"?

While not strictly redundant, it can be stronger to let the evocative nature of the description imply its detail. Consider whether "detailed" adds significant meaning or if the "evocative" quality already conveys thoroughness.

How does "an evocative description of" differ from a simple description?

A simple description provides basic information, while "an evocative description of" aims to create a sensory and emotional experience for the reader or listener, bringing the subject to life in their mind.