as he describes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as he describes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has described something in detail - usually in a written or spoken form. For example, "The author paints a vivid picture of the forest in his book, as he describes the tall trees and the fresh scent of the foliage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He winces as he describes it.

The New York Times - Sports

Hall cackles as he describes it.

The Guardian

"Just a fly in the ointment," as he describes himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

The lomido grins as he describes his release.

Independent

His voice cracks, though, as he describes the tapes.

The New York Times

As he describes it, he was "dragged into it".

The Guardian

Or, as he describes it in short: a "pollution cocktail".

The Washington Post

As he describes the book, his fingers actually quiver.

The New York Times - Magazine

As he describes it: "I always like being around people.

The Guardian - Sport

We understand the world through the thing we made". Images, as he describes, creates self-evidence.

University of California, Berkeley

Of course, we don't know if the family took things as well as he describes.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as he describes", ensure the context makes it clear who 'he' refers to, especially if multiple male figures are involved in the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "as he describes" repeatedly within a single paragraph. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "in his words" or "according to him" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as he describes" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to introduce a paraphrase or direct quote from a male individual. This phrase sets the stage for conveying someone's specific perspective or account, clearly attributing the description to that person. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is well accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as he describes" is a versatile phrase used to introduce someone's account or perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to ensure clarity in identifying who "he" refers to and to avoid overuse in close proximity. Alternatives like "in his own words" or "according to him" can enhance writing variety. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid and widely used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in his own words

Stresses that the description is a direct representation of someone's thoughts or expressions.

as he puts it

Similar to "the way he puts it" but slightly more concise.

the way he puts it

Highlights the specific phrasing or wording used in the description.

the way he characterizes it

Focuses on the specific qualities or attributes someone assigns to something in their description.

according to his account

Emphasizes that the information is based on someone's personal recollection or perspective.

as he recounts

Implies a narrative or storytelling aspect to the description.

by his explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and comprehensiveness of the description as an explanation.

in his description

Focuses on the description itself rather than the act of describing.

in his depiction

Suggests a more artistic or figurative description.

from his perspective

Highlights the subjective nature of the description, emphasizing that it is influenced by someone's viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "as he describes" in a sentence?

Use "as he describes" to introduce a quote or paraphrase where someone provides their account or depiction of something. For example, "The scene was chaotic, "as he describes" it, with people running in every direction".

What are some alternatives to "as he describes"?

Alternatives include "in his own words", "according to him", or "the way he puts it". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as he describes" or "as he described"?

"As he describes" is generally used when the description is happening in the present or is a general statement, while "as he described" is used when referring to a past event or a specific instance. For instance, "He always gets emotional "as he describes" his childhood" versus "As he described the accident, he grew pale".

What is the difference between "as he describes" and "as described by him"?

"As he describes" is a more direct and active way of presenting someone's description, while "as described by him" is more passive and formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis. "As he describes it, the atmosphere was tense" implies immediacy, whereas "The atmosphere, "as described by him", was tense" sounds more detached.