are described as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are described as" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the qualities or characteristics of something, often introducing an adjective or phrase. For example: The area's rugged mountains are described as breathtaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The injuries are described as not serious.

Independent

The deals are described as refinancings.

The New York Times

Such tendencies are described as "repressed".

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are described as "double-steeped".

The New York Times

Favourite stars are described as "legends".

The Guardian - Opinion

Both are described as "stable".

BBC

The others are described as stable.

BBC

These are described as follows.

AMB Express

They are described as follow:-.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Details are described as follows.

Advances in Difference Equations

Quantitative data are described as mean (range).

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternatives like "are characterized as" or "are known as" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "are described as". Instead, consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The mountains are described as breathtaking by visitors", try "Visitors describe the mountains as breathtaking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are described as" functions as a linking verb phrase used to attribute qualities or characteristics to a subject. It presents how something is portrayed or perceived, often based on external sources or opinions. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across diverse contexts, from describing injuries to scientific data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are described as" is a versatile phrase used to attribute qualities or characteristics to a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. To enhance writing, consider varying sentence structures and avoiding over-reliance on passive voice. Semantically related alternatives include "are characterized as" and "are defined as". Remember to tailor your choice based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are characterized as

Replaces "described" with "characterized", emphasizing inherent qualities.

are defined as

Uses "defined" to suggest a formal or precise meaning is being given.

are known as

Emphasizes common knowledge or recognition of the subject.

are identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or distinguishing something.

are labeled as

Indicates a specific designation or categorization.

are regarded as

Shows a particular opinion or viewpoint towards the subject.

are considered to be

Indicates a general assessment or evaluation of the subject.

are viewed as

Highlights a perspective or way of seeing the subject.

are represented as

Emphasizes how something is portrayed or depicted.

are classified as

Uses "classified" to emphasize a structured system of categorization.

FAQs

How can I use "are described as" in a sentence?

Use "are described as" to explain the qualities or characteristics attributed to something. For example, "The paintings "are described as" vibrant and evocative by art critics".

What are some alternatives to "are described as"?

You can use alternatives like "are characterized as", "are defined as", or "are known as" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "are described as" or "is described as"?

Use "are described as" for plural subjects and "is described as" for singular subjects. For example, "The features are described as innovative" versus "The feature is described as innovative".

What's the difference between "are described as" and "are considered as"?

"Are described as" refers to a specific depiction or portrayal, while "are considered as" suggests a general opinion or assessment. For example, "The events are described as chaotic" versus "The events are considered as a turning point".