describe that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “describe that” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain a concept or idea in more detail. For example, “Can you describe that design decision in greater detail?”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

How does one describe 4Chan?

The New Yorker

(1 500) and described previously21.

Nature

Calculation are described elsewhere64.

Nature

Phage 812 was described previously1.

Nature

pB45Neo has been described [27].

Plosone

Genotyping was as described [46].

Plosone

was as previously described [51].

Plosone

Thus, as previously described [8].

Plosone

Primers were as described [4].

Plosone

Techniques have been described [2].

Plosone

This was previously described [45].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "describe that" when you want someone to provide a detailed account or explanation of a specific thing or concept. It is suitable for initiating further discussion or clarification.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "describe that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more varied phrasing, such as "explain this in detail" or "elaborate on this point"/s/elaborate+on+this+point for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe that" primarily functions as an imperative request, prompting someone to provide a detailed explanation or account of a specific subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its role in seeking further clarification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describe that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to request a detailed explanation. While relatively rare in frequency, according to Ludwig's analysis, it serves the important function of prompting elaboration and clarification. The phrase is generally neutral in register, suitable for a range of contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Remember to use "describe that" when you genuinely need a more in-depth account or characterization of something, and be mindful of the context to ensure your language remains appropriate. Alternatives like "explain in detail" or "elaborate on" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain that in detail

Focuses specifically on providing a more thorough explanation.

elaborate on that

Suggests expanding upon an idea or point that has already been introduced.

can you give more details on that

Directly asks for a greater level of specificity.

provide a more thorough description of that

Emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and complete account.

characterize that further

Asks for a more in-depth assessment of the qualities or features of something.

walk me through that in more detail

Implies a step-by-step explanation to ensure full understanding.

what are the specifics of that

Seeks particular and precise information about a topic.

could you expand upon that

Requests a broader discussion or coverage of the subject.

shed more light on that

Asks for clarification or additional information to make something clearer.

paint a clearer picture of that

Implies a request for a more vivid and comprehensive representation.

FAQs

How can I use "describe that" in a sentence?

You can use "describe that" when you need someone to provide a detailed explanation or characterization. For example, "Can you describe that process for me?" or "Could you describe that experience in detail?"

What's a more formal alternative to "describe that"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "Could you elaborate on that?"/s/Could+you+elaborate+on+that or "Please provide a detailed account of that" for a more professional tone.

Is "describe that" suitable for academic writing?

"Describe that" is generally acceptable but consider using more precise language depending on the specific context. Instead, try phrases like "explain the methodology" or "characterize the findings"/s/characterize+the+findings for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "explain that" and "describe that"?

"Explain that" focuses on clarifying the reasons or mechanisms behind something, while "describe that" is about giving a detailed account of its features or characteristics. Use "explain that" when needing reasons and "describe that" when needing details.