as a description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or specify the nature of something in terms of its characteristics or qualities. Example: "The term 'ecosystem' can be understood as a description of the complex interactions between living organisms and their environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the word "separated" as a description of marital status.

The New York Times

Miraculously, it keeps "cracked" as a description of the hero.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is best thought of as a description.

The Guardian

"Post-black" seems less relevant as a description than "extraterrestrial".

The New York Times - Arts

As a description of aesthetic realism, of how it seeks to function, this is very fine.

The Guardian - Books

It's perfectly proper to read Wanderer as a description of Marshall.

The Guardian - Music

The novel's title pops up elsewhere, too — including as a description of a stained-wood carving that resembles Christ and as a description of female reproductive organs.

The New York Times - Books

Which, it turns out, might also work as a description of Marten's singular art.

The Guardian - Arts

As a description of the problem, though, this is a serious and provocative beginning.

The New York Times - Books

I like the expression 'the orchestration of experience' as a description of what teachers do.

The Guardian - Tech

As a description of landscape, the word "bench" doesn't mean much in the Northeast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a description" to clearly indicate that you are defining or clarifying the nature or function of something. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your reader understands the intended role of the term or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "as a description" in instances where a simpler phrasing suffices. For example, instead of writing "This can be used as a description of...", consider "This describes...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a description" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause. It clarifies the purpose or nature of something, indicating it's being presented in a descriptive capacity. As Ludwig shows, this construction is versatile and appears in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a description" serves as a crucial tool for clarifying the purpose and nature of different elements in writing. Ludwig's analysis highlights its versatility and common usage across diverse fields, especially within the news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase functions as a prepositional modifier, guiding the reader's understanding by indicating descriptive intent. While grammatically sound and prevalent, it's important to consider context and style to ensure its use enhances rather than complicates the writing. As shown by Ludwig AI, understanding these nuances allows for effective and precise communication, solidifying "as a description" as a valuable asset for writers seeking clarity and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of description

Changes the preposition to 'by way of' adding slightly more formality.

serving as a description

Focuses on the action or function that the description provides.

acting as a description

Similar to 'serving as', emphasizing the descriptive role.

in the capacity of a description

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the role or function.

understood as a description

Focuses on the interpretation or comprehension of something as a description.

considered a description

Shifts focus to the act of considering or regarding something as a description.

defined as a description

Highlights the act of defining or specifying something as a description.

when described as

Changes to focus on the situation or condition of being described.

used to describe

Focuses on the action of using something to provide a description.

for descriptive purposes

Changes to a more concise and direct statement of intent.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a description" to clarify the function or nature of a term. For example, "The term 'algorithm' can be understood "as a description" of a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem".

What are some alternatives to "as a description"?

Alternatives include "by way of description", "serving as a description", or "for descriptive purposes", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to use "as a description" or "in terms of description"?

"In terms of description" is generally more formal than "as a description". Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.

Can "as a description" be used for abstract concepts as well as concrete objects?

Yes, "as a description" can be used for both. For instance, you could say, "Justice can be understood "as a description" of fairness and equity," which is an abstract concept.