describe it over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe it over" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to suggest repeating or elaborating on a description, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "Can you describe it over again? I didn't quite catch everything the first time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Trump had responded approvingly to the proposal after hearing Mr. Graham and Mr. Durbin describe it over the phone on Thursday morning, according to people familiar with the conversations, but the pair arrived at the White House to brief the president about it not long after to find several Republicans they were not expecting sitting in on the session.

The New York Times

Nor could anyone describe it, over these intensive few days, as a peaceful haven.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I keep describing it over and over again, and nothing is happening.

Harvard Business Review

As AOL officials described it over the weekend, the talks came close to a successful conclusion on Friday.

The New York Times

The relationship between Penny and Cosham seems to be a meeting of the minds, as Cosham described it over an appropriately French lunch of croque-monsieurs in Old Town Alexandria.

The Washington Post

Loch Ba cleared the next fence, the Pond Fence, cleanly but was again "sloppy", as the jockey described it, over the next two fences.

The Guardian - Sport

One Haitian man, a limousine driver who gave his name as Daniel, stood across the street from the protest, describing it over a cell phone to a friend.

The New York Times

As he later described it, "over my couch a coil of rope—I saw the beginning of a fiery red sunrise on one side and the moon looking like a silver coin on the other".

The New Yorker

As he later described it, "over my couch a coil of rope—I saw the beginning of a fiery red sunrise on one side and the moon looking like a silver coin on the other". The story has all the elements of a great Calder sculpture: curving lines, strong colors, organic shapes, harmonious balance, suspension in space.

The New Yorker

But I think a lot of people would recognize the phenomenon as the National Marriage Project describes it: Over the last four decades, many Americans have moved away from identifying with an "institutional" model of marriage, which seeks to integrate sex, parenthood, economic cooperation, and emotional intimacy in a permanent union.

The New York Times

Ephraim, after taking in the scene for himself, described it over the phone to Hasson: locks broken, trash scattered on the floor.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to ask for a repetition or further explanation, use phrases like "describe it again" or "explain it further" for clarity.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "describe it over" as it is not standard English and can lead to confusion. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "describe it again" or "go over it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe it over" functions as a non-standard request for reiteration. Ludwig AI identifies this usage as grammatically questionable. Standard English prefers clearer alternatives to convey the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "describe it over" is a non-standard expression that attempts to ask for a repeated or more detailed explanation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, and it's best to use clearer alternatives such as "describe it again" or "go over the description". While occasionally found in news media, it's generally considered informal. Using precise language enhances clarity and avoids confusion. You should, therefore, refrain from utilizing "describe it over" in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describe it again

Focuses on repetition of the description.

reiterate the description

Emphasizes restating the description for clarity.

explain it once more

Highlights the act of clarifying the explanation.

go over the description

Suggests reviewing the description in detail.

walk me through the description again

Implies a step-by-step explanation.

repeat the description

Stresses the act of saying the description again.

restate what you described

Focuses on rephrasing the initial description.

detail the description further

Emphasizes adding more details to the description.

clarify the description

Highlights the need to make the description clearer.

elaborate on the description

Suggests expanding on the existing description.

FAQs

What does "describe it over" mean?

The phrase "describe it over" is not a standard English expression. It's likely intended to mean "describe it again" or "go over the description", but it's grammatically incorrect and can be confusing.

How to ask someone to repeat a description?

Instead of saying "describe it over", you can ask someone to "describe it again", "reiterate the description", or "explain it once more".

Which is correct, "describe it over" or "describe it again"?

"Describe it again" is the correct and grammatically sound option. "Describe it over" is not recognized as standard English.

What are some alternatives to "describe it over"?

Some alternatives include "go over the description", "walk me through the description again", or "clarify the description". These phrases provide clearer and more accurate ways to ask for a repeated or more detailed explanation.