audio description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "audio description" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a narration that describes visual elements of a film, television show, or live performance for the benefit of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Example: "The movie features an audio description option that allows viewers to enjoy the visual aspects of the film through detailed narration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A topic regularly discussed is audio description.

The Guardian - Film

And for me there's audio description.

The Guardian

There is no audio description for the film but live audio description can be arranged by prior request.

University of California, Berkeley

Ofcom admitted there was a misunderstanding about what audio description was.

The Guardian

If you rely on audio description, this year's fringe essentially consists of 19 shows.

The Guardian

Closed-captioning and audio description for those with visual or hearing impairments must be improved with some urgency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Live audio description and American Sign Language interpretation during performances have improved in quality and are offered at more performances.

The New York Times - Arts

The integrated surtitles, signing and audio description lend it a Brechtian theatricality, which is matched by the unexpected irreverence of Ireland's translation.

The Guardian

It hopes the owners of multiplex chains, and independent cinemas, will match its contribution to buy captioning and audio description equipment.

The Guardian

In 2014, Toff will hold a competition to create the best audio description of FW Murnau's 1922 horror classic Nosferatu – and Edison is one of the judges.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sites with films, photos and audio-description are particularly helpful and it's good to cross-reference with disability specialists such as Tourism for All.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scripts for "audio description", ensure the language is concise and vividly descriptive, painting a clear picture for listeners without visual input. Prioritize conveying essential visual information such as actions, expressions, and scene changes.

Common error

Avoid including excessive details that might overwhelm the listener or distract from the primary narrative. Focus on crucial visual elements and avoid unnecessary adjectives or complex sentences.

Linguistic Context

"Audio description" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the supplemental audio track that narrates visual elements in media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, offering numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "audio description" is a well-established noun phrase referring to a narration track that describes visual elements in media, primarily for the benefit of visually impaired audiences. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase's purpose is to enhance accessibility, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings. While alternatives like "audible narration" and "descriptive audio track" exist, "audio description" remains the most common and recognized term. When creating "audio descriptions", it's crucial to focus on concise, vivid descriptions of essential visual information, avoiding overwhelming detail. Top authoritative sources employing the phrase include The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descriptive audio track

Emphasizes the audio component and its descriptive nature.

descriptive soundtrack

Refers to a soundtrack designed to describe visual elements.

audible narration

Focuses more on the act of narrating rather than the specific descriptive purpose.

aural explanation of scenes

Focuses on the auditory explanation of scenes or visual sequences.

accessible audio commentary

Emphasizes the accessibility aspect of the audio commentary.

narrated visual translation

Highlights the translation of visual elements into a narrated format.

sound-based picture explanation

Focuses on the use of sound to explain a picture or visual.

audio-based visual interpretation

Highlights the audio-based interpretation of visual information.

verbal depiction of visuals

Uses more formal language to describe the process of verbally depicting visual content.

verbal image rendering

Uses the term "rendering" to describe the verbal recreation of images.

FAQs

How is "audio description" used in movies?

In movies, "audio description" provides a narrative track that describes the visual elements, such as actions, expressions, and scene changes, making the film accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

What are some alternatives to saying "audio description"?

You can use alternatives like "audible narration", "descriptive audio track", or "narrated visual translation" depending on the context.

Is "audio description" only for people with visual impairments?

"Audio description" is primarily designed for individuals with visual impairments, but it can also be helpful for others, such as those with learning disabilities or anyone who wants a more detailed understanding of a visual medium.

Where can I find content with "audio description"?

Content with "audio description" is increasingly available on streaming services, DVDs, and in some cinemas. Check the accessibility options for the specific title or platform you are using.