describe when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to provide details about a specific time or occasion related to a particular event or situation. Example: "Please describe when you first realized you wanted to pursue a career in art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's not something you can describe, when a teammate dies right next to you," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

However, meaningful words also may evoke vivid images that subjects can describe when asked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now that I think back, that was probably the look people describe when they talk about eunuchs.

The New Yorker

He was using programmers' slang, he said to describe when the camera locks up because of a software error.

The New York Times - Tech

There is a feeling Bonds gets, a feeling he did not describe, when he knows he is about to victimize a pitcher.

The New York Times - Sports

He had that a-ha moment many entrepreneurs describe when his wife, Linda, asked what he planned to do in retirement and he blurted out, "nature photographer".

The New York Times

Then he offered an alternative to describe when he has a poor performance: "I can say I play like a woman".

The New York Times - Sports

The members of the suicide caucus live in a different America from the one that most political commentators describe when talking about how the country is transforming.

The New Yorker

Sepsis is a term used to describe when the immune system responds to an infection by going "into overdrive", according to the NHS.

Independent

Samantha Brick writes in her inevitable follow-up article about the reaction to her piece, "Until this week I never really understood the term 'Trolling' – used to describe when anonymous people viciously attack others on the internet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Describe when/how/why you viewed it?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describe when", ensure that the context provides a clear reference point for the time being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "describe when" with vague temporal references like "soon" or "later" without providing additional context. Always strive for clarity and specificity in your descriptions to enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe when" functions as an interrogative phrase introducing a request for a detailed account of the timing of an event. It sets the stage for a narrative or explanation focused on a specific point in time. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describe when" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to solicit detailed information about timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct and common use spans diverse contexts from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "explain when" or "specify when" offer nuances in meaning, "describe when" remains a reliable choice for prompting thorough temporal accounts. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear reference point for the time being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain when

Replaces "describe" with "explain", focusing on providing a clear understanding of the timing.

specify when

Replaces "describe" with "specify", emphasizing the need for a precise indication of time.

detail when

Replaces "describe" with "detail", highlighting the importance of providing thorough information about the timing.

indicate when

Replaces "describe" with "indicate", focusing on pointing out the relevant time or occasion.

outline when

Replaces "describe" with "outline", suggesting a summary of the timing of an event or situation.

narrate when

Replaces "describe" with "narrate", implying a story-like account of the timing.

recount when

Replaces "describe" with "recount", emphasizing a retelling of the events related to the timing.

depict when

Replaces "describe" with "depict", focusing on a vivid representation of the timing of an event.

elucidate when

Replaces "describe" with "elucidate", emphasizing the clarification of the timing involved.

illustrate when

Replaces "describe" with "illustrate", suggesting the use of examples to clarify the timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "describe when" to ask someone to provide details about a specific time or occasion. For example, "Can you describe when you first encountered this problem?"

What are some alternatives to using "describe when"?

Some alternatives include "explain when", "specify when", or "detail when", depending on the context and the level of detail required.

Is it better to use "describe when" or "explain when"?

Both "describe when" and "explain when" are grammatically correct, but "explain when" might be more appropriate if you are seeking a more in-depth understanding of the timing of an event.

What kind of information should I include when I "describe when" something happened?

When you "describe when" something happened, include specific details like the date, time, location, and any relevant context that helps the listener or reader understand the timing of the event clearly.