are generally described

USAGE SUMMARY

"are generally described" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something in a general or broad manner. For example: - Dogs are generally described as loyal and friendly animals. - The city is generally described as a bustling metropolis filled with skyscrapers and busy streets. - The painting is generally described as a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. - The book is generally described as a heartwarming and uplifting story. - The weather in this region is generally described as temperate with mild winters and warm summers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These materials are generally described as viscoelastic materials, a generic term that emphasizes their intermediate position between elastic solids and viscous fluids [1].

Boundary Value Problems

Within the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans, the authorization levels are generally described as nothing more than caps on spending.

The New York Times

Philippine government policy bars the payment of ransoms, so the payments for hostages are generally described as "room and board".

The New York Times

But why should that matter?Large-scale asset purchases, or quantitative easing (QE), are generally described as working through several channels.

The Economist

In spring, one's thoughts turn naturally to sauvignon blanc, a dry white wine with aromas and flavors that are generally described as grassy, "green," herbaceous and vegetal.

The New York Times

Strictly speaking, Mr. Lukitsch said, the term hobo refers to someone riding a train while searching for work, while people motivated mainly by wanderlust or adventure are generally described as tramps.

The New York Times

Apart from Mark Rylance's excellent comments in a letter to the Guardian on January 12, not much has been heard from the profession, while objectors are generally described, rudely, as "a minority of conservationists and local people".

The Guardian

"Winterreise," completed in 1827, is Schubert's setting of 24 poems by Wilhelm Müller; the songs are generally described with adjectives like "bleak" and "despondent," tracing a tale of lost love.

The New York Times

Loads applied to the skeleton are generally described in terms of stress and strain.

Osteoporosis

Viscoelastic properties are generally described by the frequency dependent phase velocity v(f) and the quality factor Q(f).

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Stable and distinct flame states are identified at this interface, which are generally described rather unspecific in literature.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are generally described" to introduce common or widely accepted characteristics or features of a subject. It's best used when summarizing collective knowledge or perceptions, ensuring you're presenting an overview rather than a definitive statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are generally described" when discussing niche or highly specific contexts. Overusing it can lead to misrepresenting specialized knowledge as common knowledge. Instead, provide precise details and context to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are generally described" functions as a passive voice construction, primarily used to attribute a description or characteristic to a subject without explicitly stating who is doing the describing. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are generally described" is a common and grammatically sound way to convey a widespread or common understanding of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the description accurately reflects a broad consensus to avoid misrepresenting specialized knowledge or presenting personal opinions as generally accepted facts. Related phrases such as "are typically characterized" or "are commonly referred to", can offer more nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typically characterized

Emphasizes typicality rather than a general consensus in descriptions.

are usually portrayed

Focuses on the manner in which something is represented, often with a specific slant or perspective.

are commonly referred to

Highlights the act of referring to something using a specific term or description.

are widely regarded as

Indicates a widespread opinion or assessment about something.

are often depicted as

Similar to portrayed but suggests a visual or artistic representation.

are generally known as

Emphasizes the familiarity or common knowledge of something.

are broadly classified as

Highlights the act of categorizing something based on shared characteristics.

are conventionally understood

Focuses on established or traditional interpretations of something.

are regularly defined as

Suggests a consistent and formal definition is applied.

are frequently labeled as

Emphasizes the use of a specific label or term to identify something.

FAQs

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

Use "are generally described" to introduce a common understanding or perception of a topic. For example, "The symptoms of the disease "are generally described" as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches."

What are some alternatives to "are generally described"?

Alternatives include "are commonly referred to", "are typically characterized", or "are widely regarded as", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are generally described" in formal writing?

Yes, "are generally described" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey a widely accepted or common understanding of a subject. However, ensure the description is accurate and supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "are generally described" and "are specifically defined"?

"Are generally described" implies a broad, often subjective understanding, while "are specifically defined" suggests a precise, formal definition. Use the former when summarizing common perceptions and the latter when referencing official definitions.