describe something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to ask someone to provide details or explanations about a particular object, idea, or situation. For example, "Please describe something that inspires you." Alternative expressions include "explain something" and "depict something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in defence, they describe something increasingly real.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can describe something and be quite clinical about it.

The Guardian - Books

(To describe something as delicious, she might say it "suffers from phenomonitis").

The New York Times

TORGIANO, ITALY — It's not easy to describe something that appeals to the senses in cerebral terms.

The New York Times - Arts

Could he describe something he liked?, another woman wanted to know.

The New Yorker

For example, " funding helps start-ups succeed". Sound theories describe something works.

Harvard Business Review

Fellow students used the word "gay" to describe something that was rubbish.

The Guardian

"Sustainable" is not an adjective you would use to describe something you love.

The Guardian - Arts

To describe something especially good, the epithets "wicked", "bad", or "dope".

The Guardian - Travel

One of the book's techniques is to describe something from two sides, but with a delay.

The Guardian - Books

It's the need to describe something new about human experience or consciousness that drives literary innovation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ vivid language and sensory details when you "describe something" to create a more engaging and memorable experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying on overly generic adjectives like 'good' or 'interesting' when you "describe something". Instead, use more specific and descriptive words to convey your meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe something" functions primarily as a directive, often used to request or instruct someone to provide a detailed account or representation of a particular object, idea, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "describe something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, serving as a directive to provide details or explanations about a particular subject. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When employing this phrase, it's essential to consider your audience and purpose, using precise language and avoiding vague adjectives. Alternatives such as "explain something" or "depict something" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, ensuring effective and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain something

Emphasizes making something understandable, often by providing reasons or causes.

depict something

Focuses more on visual representation than a general description.

detail something

Highlights the action of elaborating on a particular subject.

portray something

Similar to depict, but can also refer to representing something in a particular way, often with a specific intention.

characterize something

Highlights the key attributes or features that distinguish something.

illustrate something

Focuses on providing examples or visual aids to clarify a concept.

specify something

Emphasizes providing precise and explicit information.

define something

Centers on providing a precise meaning or scope of something.

outline something

Focuses on providing a brief summary of the main points.

recount something

Implies narrating an event or experience in detail.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "describe something" effectively?

Practice using sensory details and precise language. Focus on showing rather than telling, and consider your audience's perspective.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "describe something"?

You can use "explain something", "depict something", or "portray something" depending on the context.

Is it better to "describe something" objectively or subjectively?

It depends on your purpose. Objective descriptions focus on facts, while subjective descriptions incorporate personal opinions and feelings. Choose the approach that best suits your goal.

How do I avoid being too verbose when I "describe something"?

Focus on the most important details and use concise language. Cut out unnecessary words and phrases, and aim for clarity and precision.