describe using

USAGE SUMMARY

"describe using" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you want to explain how something is done or expressed using a particular method or tool. For example, "Please describe your experience using the software."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their data, shared with the Guardian, raises questions about the accuracy of US intelligence guiding strikes that US officials describe using words like "clinical" and "precise".

The Guardian

The following procedures describe using Microsoft File Sharing for SMB/CIFS file transfer.

Cornell University

On Philips-store, they describe using light as a simulation of nature sunlight.

Cornell University

In a paper published today in Nature Nanotechnology, Zettl and graduate student Kenneth Jensen describe using the nanoradio to sense and weigh individual gold atoms at room temperature.

MIT Technology Review

MIT postdoc Robert Huber and Fujimoto describe using a laser whose light frequency can be tuned extremely rapidly to enhance imaging speed.

MIT Technology Review

In a paper published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, the researchers describe using the light-triggered microcapsules to control two different types of reactions.

MIT Technology Review

Turbulent premixed combustion is particularly difficult to describe using large eddy simulation (LES).

Combustion and Flame

In this paper, we describe using a 2-D array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) to perform 3-D photoacoustic and acoustic imaging.

Stanford University

Her book Organizational Project Management: Linking Strategy and Projects was the first book to describe using outcomes to improve organizational results.

University of California, Berkeley

"A-players" will not work for "B-leaders". Many directors describe using detailed talent-related conversations with technology leaders as a barometer for leadership capabilities.

Harvard University

Here's a look at five women who use fabric as an integral part of their art, which they describe using phrases like "fiber art," "silk painting," "mixed-media construction," "photo-transfer quilting" and "textile collage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describe using", ensure that the method or tool you are referencing is clearly stated and relevant to the description you are providing. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "describe using" without specifying what is being used to describe something. For example, instead of saying "They describe using", clarify with "They describe using specific examples."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe using" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the method or instrument employed to provide a description. It clarifies how something is being described, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describe using" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to specify the means by which a description is conveyed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across a wide range of contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, its specific register depends on the surrounding context. To ensure clarity, always specify the method or tool being used. By avoiding vagueness, you can effectively communicate the descriptive process and maintain the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate using

Focuses on expressing something clearly and effectively by utilizing a certain approach.

define utilizing

Focuses on establishing the meaning of something by making use of a particular concept or technique.

explain through the use of

Emphasizes the act of making something understandable by employing a particular tool or method.

elucidate via

Stresses the act of making something clear or easy to understand through a particular means.

demonstrate by implementing

Highlights the act of showing or proving something through the practical application of a particular method or tool.

illustrate by means of

Focuses on providing clarity through a specific technique or instrument.

interpret through application of

Stresses the process of explaining the meaning of something by employing a specific framework or method.

detail with the help of

Highlights the provision of thorough information, aided by a particular resource.

portray with the aid of

Emphasizes depicting or representing something using a specific method or tool.

characterize by employing

Highlights the process of describing the distinctive nature or features of something through a particular method.

FAQs

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

You can use "describe using" to explain how something is explained or portrayed. For example, "The researchers "describe using statistical analysis" the trends in the data".

What are some alternatives to "describe using"?

Alternatives include phrases like "explain through the use of", "illustrate by means of", or "articulate using", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "describes using" instead of "describe using"?

The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "describe using" with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they". Use "describes using" with singular subjects or "he/she/it". For example, "He "describes using" detailed examples" or "They "describe using" the same approach".

What's the difference between "describe using" and "describe the use of"?

"Describe using" focuses on the method or tool employed in the description itself, while "describe the use of" emphasizes the application or function of something. For instance, "describe using examples" highlights the illustrative method, whereas "describe the use of examples" would talk about how examples are applied.