describe as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to give a description or explanation of something. For example, "The building was small, but intricately designed, which I would describe as a modern marvel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some things you might describe as standard.

The Guardian

She is what therapists describe as "present".

The Guardian

It was what Johnson himself might describe as "piffle".

The Guardian - Opinion

What Supreme Court's ruling does the article describe as "landmark"?

The New York Times

"He did have what I describe as mental illness.

The Guardian

What core values does Alan Miller describe as mainstream?

The New York Times

Our greataunt, who our parents describe as the greatest.

The New York Times

It was what one might describe as reasonable accommodation.

The Guardian

The guys have a daily routine they describe as GTL.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They've been short of what I would describe as detectives".

The New York Times

The ideology, he himself will sometimes describe as American.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "characterize as" or "define as" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "describe as" to present personal opinions as objective facts. Instead, use phrases like "I would describe it as" or "it can be described as" to indicate subjectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe as" functions primarily as a verb phrase, used to characterize, define, or classify something. It connects a subject with a description, providing information about its nature or qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "describe as" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to characterize or define something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but can be adapted for various forms of communication. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "characterize as" or "portray as" to avoid repetition. Ensure accurate and context-appropriate descriptions, and avoid misusing it to present subjective opinions as objective facts. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "describe as" to provide clarity and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterize as

Focuses more on identifying distinct characteristics.

define as

Emphasizes providing a precise meaning or scope.

portray as

Highlights depicting something in a particular manner.

label as

Focuses on assigning a specific name or category.

refer to as

Emphasizes mentioning or alluding to something with a specific term.

consider as

Implies a more thoughtful or evaluative assessment.

view as

Highlights a particular perspective or opinion.

depict as

Focuses on representing visually or figuratively.

present as

Emphasizes the manner in which something is introduced or shown.

regard as

Implies a formal or considered judgment.

FAQs

How to use "describe as" in a sentence?

Use "describe as" to characterize or give an account of something. For example, "The author might "portray as" a hero, but his actions indicate otherwise."

What can I say instead of "describe as"?

You can use alternatives like "characterize as", "define as", or "portray as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "described as" instead of "describe as"?

"Described as" is the past participle form and is used to indicate that something has already been described. "Describe as" is the base form used to describe something in the present or future.

What's the difference between "describe as" and "consider as"?

"Describe as" is used to provide a factual account or characterization, while "consider as" implies a more thoughtful evaluation or judgment. You might "describe as" the setting, but you'd "consider as" a masterpiece.