being described as

USAGE SUMMARY

"being described as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a particular noun or phrase is being given a certain description. For example: The new restaurant in town is being described as an upscale dining experience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 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

The overwhelming majority reject being described as Indian or Asian.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I hate how I'm being described as some Jeremy Lin imitator or groupie.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being described as" to introduce a characterization or label that is attributed to an external source or general consensus, ensuring you provide context to who is doing the describing.

Common error

While "being described as" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice where appropriate to make your sentences more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The project is being described as innovative", try "Experts describe the project as innovative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being described as" functions as a verbal phrase in the passive voice. It indicates how a subject is characterized or portrayed, focusing on the action of describing rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Tech

3%

Less common in

Books

2%

Music

1%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being described as" is a correct and very common phrase used to indicate how something or someone is characterized by others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a passive verbal phrase and is frequently found in news and media contexts. It's essential to use this phrase when you want to attribute a description to an external source or general consensus. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to strengthen your writing. Alternatives include "being referred to as", "being labeled as", and "being characterized as" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being referred to as

Focuses on the act of naming or alluding to something, rather than detailing its qualities.

being labeled as

Emphasizes the assignment of a specific category or identifier.

being characterized as

Highlights the process of defining something's distinct traits or nature.

being portrayed as

Focuses on the way something is represented or depicted, especially in media.

being regarded as

Indicates a general opinion or assessment held by others.

being considered as

Suggests a process of evaluation or contemplation before a final judgment.

being known as

Emphasizes widespread familiarity or recognition under a particular name or description.

being classified as

Focuses on categorization based on specific criteria or standards.

being identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or pinpointing something's specific nature or origin.

being presented as

Focuses on the way something is showcased or introduced to an audience.

FAQs

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

Use "being described as" to indicate how someone or something is characterized by others. For example: "The new policy is "being described as" a significant step forward".

What are some alternatives to "being described as"?

Alternatives include "being referred to as", "being labeled as", or "being characterized as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "being described as" uses passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, active voice can be more direct. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when possible for a stronger impact.

What's the difference between "being described as" and "described as"?

"Being described as" emphasizes the ongoing process of description, while "described as" suggests a completed or established description. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or the result.