described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been explained or detailed in a particular way. Example: "The process was thoroughly described in the manual, making it easy to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A spokesperson described as "a fake" the "long list" of nominations.

The Guardian - Film

The US state department later described a "specific and immediate threat".

The Guardian

In the second day of hearings on Tuesday, the judges described the two-year-old law as fundamentally changing the relationship between the individual and the government, giving Congress virtually unlimited power to force people to buy products for their own good.

The Guardian

That necessitates, at some level, a strategy that can be described as "calculated misery".

The Economist

What got me onto this theory was reading that the shoe bomber, a Muslim convert named Richard Reid, had been described by someone who knew him well in England as 'very, very impressionable.' I had already decided that the man was a complete bozo.

The Economist

My look was described as "All Saints mum" once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3. The Promoter shall use and take care of any personal information you supply to it as described in its privacy policy, a copy of which can be seen here and in accordance with data protection legislation.

The Guardian

McIntyre said that during legal challenges against the tapes handover Boston-based judge William Young, who read all the relevant interviews, described the project as a "bona fide academic exercise of considerable intellectual merit".

The Guardian

Baltimore television station WBAL interviewed a person that it described as a relative of one of the officers in the van.

The Guardian

In his memoir, Kyle reportedly described killing as "fun", something he "loved"; he was unwavering in his belief that everyone he shot was a "bad guy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Without mentioning Bachmann by name, McCain described the attacks on Abedin, a Muslim, as an example of ignorance and fear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "described", ensure that the context provides sufficient information about who is doing the describing and what the source of the description is. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "described" passively without indicating the actor. For example, instead of saying "It was described as...", specify who described it: "Experts described it as...".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "described" is as the past participle or simple past tense of the verb describe. It indicates that an action of providing details or characteristics has already occurred. Ludwig shows this usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "described" is a versatile and frequently used verb form indicating that something has been portrayed or detailed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and found primarily in the context of news and media. When using "described", ensure clarity by specifying who or what provided the description. To avoid monotony, consider using synonyms like "explained" or "outlined". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "described" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explained

Focuses on making something understandable; less emphasis on detailed attributes.

outlined

Highlights the main features or structure; provides a summary.

portrayed

Emphasizes the manner in which something is represented, often artistically or subjectively.

illustrated

Uses examples or visuals to clarify the subject's qualities.

characterized

Focuses on identifying the key characteristics or qualities of something.

recounted

Narrates or tells a story about something, focusing on a sequence of events.

depicted

Visually represents something, often in a painting or drawing.

related

Presents information about something, often in a factual or objective manner.

detailed

Provides comprehensive information about something, including specific elements.

specified

Clearly identifies particular aspects or requirements of something.

FAQs

How is "described" used in a sentence?

The word "described" is used as the past tense of the verb describe, indicating that someone has provided details or characteristics about something in the past. For example: "The witness "described" the suspect to the police."

What can I say instead of "described"?

You can use alternatives like "explained", "outlined", or "portrayed" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "described" and "explained"?

"Described" focuses on providing a detailed account or representation of something, while "explained" emphasizes making something understandable. "He "described" the process in detail" versus "He "explained" the process simply".

Is it correct to say "was described as" or simply "described as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "Was described as" emphasizes the passive voice, while "described as" can be used in both active and passive constructions. For example, "The book was "described" as a masterpiece" and "Critics "described" the book as a masterpiece".