describe with

USAGE SUMMARY

"describe with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to give details about something. For example, "Can you describe with more detail how the experiment works?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Young Catholics describe with phosphorescent enthusiasm the delicacy and devotion with which Ratzinger celebrates Mass.

The New Yorker

"Do I have to bring the picture I describe with me?" one student asked.

The New Yorker

Locals still describe with awe a stop Washington made nine days before Christmas in 2006.

The New Yorker

We share a pud from a list we ask the waiter to describe – with comic results.

Independent

Cimber liked to berate the women, often calling them fat, which they describe with a kind of fond amazement.

The New Yorker

I suspect that one day it will be possible to describe with greater precision the sense in which the park promotes feelings of oneness with nature.

The New York Times - Arts

And you'll get astonishing video quality that, in light of recent developments, we might have to describe with a new term: high high-definition.

The New York Times

I often hear managers and headhunters in other professions describe with great anguish the small talent pool from which candidates come.

The New York Times

It helps him to describe, with deep interest and insight, the "accommodations" by which people learn to get along with – sometimes even benefit from – their illnesses.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Malta owns a 1964 Mickey Mantle World Series bat that he can describe with forensic specificity: "Mantle tarred his bat a certain way.

The New York Times

This is Trump's world view: a darkness he can describe with relish and a hope that he asserts but cannot provide.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describe with", ensure that the 'with' clause specifies a tangible or measurable attribute, method, or quality. For instance, "describe with precision" or "describe with vivid detail".

Common error

Avoid using overly general 'with' clauses that don't add significant meaning. For example, instead of "describe with care", consider specifying what kind of care, such as "describe with meticulous detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe with" functions as a verb phrase + preposition, modifying the verb 'describe' to specify the method, quality, or instrument used in the act of describing. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describe with" is a common and grammatically correct way to specify the manner or method of a description. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. It is important to use specific and meaningful 'with' clauses to enhance clarity. While "describe" simply means to give an account, "describe with" focuses on the specific attributes or techniques used in the description. Related phrases like "detail with" or "illustrate using" can offer alternative ways to express this concept with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portray with

Similar to describe, but emphasizes the artistic or expressive aspect.

define using

Emphasizes the act of setting forth the meaning of something with a tool.

detail with

Highlights providing thorough information.

explain employing

Focuses on clarifying using specific tools or techniques.

outline through

Highlights the act of giving a summary using.

illustrate using

Focuses on visual aids rather than verbal descriptions.

characterize by means of

Implies defining something by its characteristics.

represent utilizing

Stresses the act of showing or symbolizing something using a method.

elucidate through

Suggests making something clear through explanation.

depict via

Indicates portraying something through a medium or method.

FAQs

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

Use "describe with" to explain how something is described. For example, "The author aims to "describe with" great precision the protagonist's feelings".

What are some alternatives to "describe with"?

You can use phrases such as "illustrate using", "detail with", or "characterize by means of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "describe with" differ from simply "describe"?

"Describe" means to give an account, while ""describe with"" specifies the method or quality used in the description. The latter adds specificity to the act of describing.

Is it always necessary to specify what you "describe with"?

No, it's not always necessary. Whether you should specify depends on whether the method or quality of the description is relevant to the point you're making. If the manner of description is important, using ""describe with"" can add clarity.