describe them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide details or characteristics about a specific subject or object. Example: "In your essay, please describe them in detail to give the reader a better understanding of their significance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He declined to describe them.

The New York Times

Defectors describe them as punitive reëducation camps.

The New Yorker

Palestinians describe them as assassinations.

The New York Times

How would you describe them?

The New York Times

How can we best describe them?

Independent

He knew he could not describe them.

The Economist

Detractors often describe them as clownish.

The New York Times

Tacitus set out to describe them.

The New York Times - Books

I could describe them, but I won't.

The Guardian - Books

Is that how you would describe them?

The New York Times - Magazine

Would she describe them as friends?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your descriptive language by using synonyms such as "characterize", "define", or "portray" to enhance your writing's impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic adjectives like "good" or "interesting" when you "describe them". Instead, use specific and evocative language that paints a clear picture in the reader's mind. Focus on concrete details and sensory information to make your descriptions more engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe them" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb followed by a pronoun. It indicates an action that needs an object, directing someone to provide details or characteristics about a previously mentioned subject. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describe them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that prompts a detailed account of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While versatile, remember to use specific language when describing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "characterize them" or "explain them" can add nuance to your writing. This phrase is common, as proven by the large number of Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterize them

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

define them

Uses "define" instead of "describe", focusing on providing a clear and concise meaning.

explain them

Substitutes "describe" with "explain", shifting the emphasis towards clarifying their nature or function.

detail them

Emphasizes the provision of comprehensive and specific information.

outline them

Focuses on presenting a structured overview of their main features.

portray them

Replaces "describe" with "portray", highlighting the act of representing them in a particular way.

illustrate them

Suggests providing examples or visual representations to clarify their nature.

depict them

Similar to portray, emphasizes representing them through artistic or descriptive means.

elucidate them

Implies making them clear and easy to understand through detailed explanation.

present them

Focuses on introducing or showcasing them with descriptive details.

FAQs

How can I use "describe them" effectively in a sentence?

To effectively use "describe them", ensure you've clearly established who or what "them" refers to earlier in your text. Then, follow "describe them" with specific and vivid details that paint a clear picture for the reader.

What are some alternatives to "describe them" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "characterize them", "define them", or "explain them" to add variety to your writing.

Is it better to "describe them" or "characterize them"?

The choice between "describe them" and "characterize them" depends on your intention. "Describe them" is a general term for providing details, while "characterize them" focuses on highlighting their key traits or qualities.

How does "describe them" differ from "analyze them"?

"Describe them" involves providing a detailed account of their features, while "analyze them" involves examining their components and relationships to understand their nature or function. Description focuses on what something is, while analysis focuses on how it works.