Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
describe out
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'describe out' is not correct or usable in written English.
To use this phrase correctly, you would need to say 'describe it out' or 'describe it in detail'. For example, "Can you please describe it out so I can understand better?".
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Mainly, by analyzing the rule for the length of semicycle to occur successively, we clearly describe out the rule for the trajectory structure of its solutions.
Participants were asked to describe out loud a number of components of the scene.
Science
You might describe "Out in the Dark," the feature directorial debut of the Israeli filmmaker Michael Mayer, who wrote the screenplay with Yael Shafrir, as a modern variation of Shakespeare: "Romeo and Romeo," but with a different ending.
News & Media
In Section 3, we describe out TXOP delegation method for the downlink in detail.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Both terms describe out-of-control phenomena that human society has unwittingly unleashed upon itself.
News & Media
Since it is difficult to describe out-of-plane deformations in the DFT studies, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an effective technique to study the effect of ripples under axial loading.
Science
A low value of I D/I D′ indicates that the defects are on-site defects, which describe out-of-plane atoms bonded to carbon atoms (namely, sp3 hybridization) [29].
Science
Godin is widely known for his book "Permission Marketing" and "purple cow" theory, which is what he uses to describe out-of-the-ordinary marketing ideas.
News & Media
During the tournaments of that period, heralds described out loud the coats of arms of the participants.
News & Media
Sitting at home, he'll draw out a complicated math problem while describing out loud how to solve it.
News & Media
To use it, ask Siri to "turn on VoiceOver," a built-in iOS feature that describes out loud whatever is on your screen.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "describe out" in formal writing. Instead, use alternatives like "explain in detail" or "elaborate on" for clearer communication.
Common error
Many writers incorrectly assume that "out" can be added to verbs to intensify their meaning. With the verb "describe", using "describe in detail" or similar alternatives is more grammatically sound.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "describe out" functions as a phrasal verb, attempting to convey the action of detailing or explaining something. However, its usage is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase appears, though it's important to note the grammatical status.
Frequent in
Science
33.33%
News & Media
33.33%
Wiki
8.33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "describe out" appears in various contexts, it's essential to recognize that it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, standard English prefers alternatives like "explain in detail" or "elaborate on". Although present in sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, its usage should be approached with caution in formal writing. The analysis of various alternatives will allow you to be more accurate in your sentences and avoid potential misinterpretations. Remember to be mindful of the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate way to convey detailed information.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
explain in detail
Focuses on providing a thorough explanation.
elaborate on
Suggests expanding on an existing point with more information.
detail
A more concise way of saying "describe in detail".
set forth
Implies a structured and formal description.
spell out
Indicates a very clear and explicit explanation, leaving no room for ambiguity.
lay out
Emphasizes a systematic presentation of information.
give an account of
Implies a narrative description of events or facts.
depict
Focuses on creating a visual or vivid representation through description.
narrate
Emphasizes the storytelling aspect of describing something.
recount
Suggests telling a story or describing past events from memory.
FAQs
How can I accurately describe something without using "describe out"?
To provide a detailed account, use phrases such as "explain in detail", "elaborate on", or simply "detail".
Is "describe out" grammatically correct?
No, "describe out" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "describe in detail" or rephrase your sentence.
What are some formal alternatives to "describe out"?
For formal contexts, consider using "set forth", "lay out", or "give an account of" instead of "describe out".
When can I use "describe" on its own?
You can use "describe" on its own when you don't need to emphasize the level of detail. For example, "Can you describe the situation?" is perfectly acceptable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested