describe it as

USAGE SUMMARY

"describe it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "describe it as" when you want to explain something in further detail. For example, "The painting had a unique style; you could describe it as a mix of cubism and expressionism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I describe it as revise and resubmit.

BBC

We describe it as follows.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We briefly describe it as follows.

eLife

I describe it as consumption".

The New York Times

I would describe it as modern Italian".

Independent

The French would describe it as feminine.

The New York Times - Food

Others describe it as a betrayal.

The New York Times - Arts

Why describe it as a psychiatric problem?

The New York Times

I describe it as good.

The Guardian - Travel

"Some describe it as theological.

The New York Times

Many describe it as impossible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "describe it as" to provide a specific interpretation or characterization of a subject, ensuring clarity and detail for your audience. For instance, instead of saying "The situation was complex", try "You could "describe it as" a tangled web of conflicting interests".

Common error

Avoid using "describe it as" as a mere placeholder. Always follow it with a concrete and meaningful description. Saying "I would "describe it as" interesting" lacks substance; instead, elaborate: "I would "describe it as" a fascinating blend of history and innovation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe it as" functions as a verb phrase introducing a characterization or interpretation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It helps in providing specific details or qualities attributed to the subject in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describe it as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a characterization or interpretation of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently employed across various contexts, notably in news, academia, and science. To enhance clarity, follow it with specific details rather than using it as a placeholder. Alternative phrases such as "characterize it as" or "define it as" can add nuance. By using "describe it as" effectively, writers can provide insightful context and enrich their narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterize it as

Replaces "describe" with "characterize", emphasizing the act of identifying key traits.

define it as

Substitutes "describe" with "define", focusing on providing a precise meaning.

label it as

Uses "label" instead of "describe", highlighting the act of assigning a category or name.

refer to it as

Employs "refer to" instead of "describe", shifting the focus to how something is addressed.

portray it as

Replaces "describe" with "portray", emphasizing a specific interpretation or representation.

view it as

Uses "view" instead of "describe", focusing on a subjective perspective.

deem it to be

Replaces "describe" with "deem", suggesting a formal judgment or assessment.

consider it as

Employs "consider" instead of "describe", focusing on a thoughtful evaluation.

present it as

Substitutes "describe" with "present", highlighting the way something is introduced or shown.

explain it as

Uses "explain" instead of "describe", focusing on clarifying the nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "describe it as" in a sentence?

Use "describe it as" when you want to characterize something in a particular way. For instance, "Critics "describe it as" a masterpiece of modern art", or "The CEO "describe it as" a turning point for the company".

What are some alternatives to "describe it as"?

You can use alternatives such as "characterize it as", "define it as", or "refer to it as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "describe it as" in formal writing?

Yes, ""describe it as"" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to introduce a description or interpretation. However, ensure that the description itself is appropriate for the context.

What's the difference between ""describe it as"" and "view it as"?

"Describe it as" suggests a more objective characterization, while "view it as" indicates a subjective perspective or opinion. For example, "Experts "describe it as" innovative", versus "I view it as impractical".