describe verbally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe verbally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to provide a spoken explanation or account of something, as opposed to a written one. Example: "In the meeting, please describe verbally the challenges you faced during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Abstract three-dimensional objects, difficult to describe verbally, served as to-be-remembered materials.

NeuroImage

This experience can be difficult to describe verbally, but it is often intense and pleasurable.

University of California, Berkeley

The 'agreeing' expression was rather difficult to describe verbally and, accordingly, was recognized only by four subjects.

European Journal of Neuroscience

I.W. was instructed to rate the mean intensity of the perceived pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain) and also to describe verbally the perceived stimuli after each measurement.

Cerebral Cortex

Six practice trials were given, during which the subjects were required to describe verbally the connections they had made between background and object, thereby ensuring they understood the task.

Brain and Cognition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So far, the fitting is described verbally only, e.g. in standards concerning artificial weathering, and the user has to decide for himself whether the spectral distribution E indicated by the producer of the solar simulator agrees well enough with the "reference sun" for his specific application.

Polymer Testing

The significant results are given in numbers, where other results are described verbally.

European Transport Research Review

This is distinct from tabletop role-playing games, where character actions are described verbally.

Wikipedia

In cases of doubt, tasks were described verbally and subsequently classified by researchers.

BMJ Open

To illustrate the type and nature of research being proposed, four hypothetical studies were described verbally.

Critical Care

Risks and relative risks were described verbally by only a minority of the respondents (less than 44%).

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to provide information, specify "describe verbally" to ensure they offer a spoken explanation rather than a written one. This is especially useful in meetings or training scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "describe verbally" when a written account is more appropriate or necessary. Using it to request a detailed report might be misleading if a written document is required for record-keeping or thorough analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe verbally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the manner of describing. As supported by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the use of spoken words to provide an account or explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describe verbally" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English used to specify that a spoken explanation or account is required. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is found across diverse sources including scientific articles, academic papers, and news media. Alternatives such as "explain orally" or "articulate verbally" can be used depending on the context. It's important to use the phrase when a spoken description is specifically needed, rather than assuming that description automatically implies spoken words. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can use "describe verbally" effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain orally

Focuses specifically on providing an explanation through spoken words, slightly narrower in scope.

give a verbal account

Emphasizes the delivery of a spoken explanation or report.

articulate verbally

Emphasizes clarity and precision in spoken expression, adding a nuance of eloquence.

detail verbally

Stresses the provision of comprehensive and thorough information through speech.

communicate orally

Focuses on the act of conveying information through speech, suitable for both formal and informal situations.

state aloud

Highlights the act of speaking something audibly, suitable for formal or informal settings.

relay orally

Highlights the transmission of information by speaking, often involving multiple parties.

narrate vocally

Implies telling a story or recounting events using spoken words.

recount verbally

Similar to narrate vocally, but with a focus on accuracy and detail.

express in words

A broader expression that encompasses both written and spoken communication, less direct.

FAQs

What does "describe verbally" mean?

The phrase "describe verbally" means to explain something using spoken words, as opposed to writing it down or using other forms of communication. It emphasizes the use of speech to convey information.

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

You can use "describe verbally" to instruct someone to give a spoken explanation. For example: "Please "describe verbally" the incident to the manager."

What are some alternatives to "describe verbally"?

Alternatives to "describe verbally" include "explain orally", "articulate verbally", or "give a verbal account". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "describe verbally" since describing typically involves words?

While describing often implies using words, specifying "verbally" clarifies that a spoken description is required, especially when other forms of description (e.g. visual, written) are possible. It removes ambiguity.