being described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being described" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about an object, person, or idea that is being described in a specific way. For example, "The old man being described in the book was a frail and lonely figure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lee balks at being described as wealthy.

The New Yorker

Definitely being described as a Tory!

The Guardian

We're always being described as crazies.

The New York Times

"You wouldn't hear someone being described as a bit diabetic".

The Guardian

It hardly rates being described as a movement.

The New York Times - Health

Ecuador is now being described as Latin America's jaguar.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is also wary of being described as successful.

The Guardian

It's being described as a third agricultural revolution.

The Guardian

"Already being described as 'The Tremor in Trent Bridge'".

The Guardian - Sport

He bristles at being described a rogue general.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just who is being described here?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being described", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is doing the describing. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "being described" in sentences where the descriptor is unclear or missing. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your writing. Always ensure the description's source is either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being described" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of description, rather than performing it. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being described" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of description. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, remember to ensure clarity in your writing by specifying who or what is doing the describing. Consider using alternatives like "that is characterized" or "that is portrayed" to add nuance. The prevalence of "being described" across varied sources underscores its importance in formal and informational writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is characterized

This alternative emphasizes the attributes or qualities that define something.

that is portrayed

This alternative suggests a depiction or representation of something, often in art or media.

which is depicted

Similar to 'that is portrayed', this highlights the visual representation of something.

that is labeled

This focuses on the act of assigning a name or category to something.

that is identified

This emphasizes the recognition or establishment of something's identity.

that is referred to

This alternative highlights the act of mentioning or alluding to something.

termed as

This suggests a specific name or designation is used for something, often in a technical context.

defined as

This emphasizes the explanation of the meaning or scope of something.

considered as

This suggests a particular opinion or evaluation of something.

represented as

This focuses on how something is shown or presented, which may not be entirely accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "being described" in a sentence?

You can use "being described" to indicate that something is currently undergoing a description. For example, "The phenomenon "being described" is complex" indicates that the phenomenon is in the process of being explained.

What are some alternatives to "being described"?

Alternatives to "being described" include "that is characterized", "that is portrayed", or "that is identified", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "being described"?

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the context. "Being described" inherently uses the passive voice, which is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant. If the actor is important, consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice for more directness.

What's the difference between "being described" and "having been described"?

"Being described" indicates an ongoing action, while "having been described" indicates a completed action. For example, "The method "being described" is new" suggests the method is currently under description. "The method "having been described" is well-established" suggests the method was described previously.