described by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is characterized or defined by a particular quality, feature, or source. Example: "The phenomenon is best described by the theory of relativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Carter were described by the Pres.

The New Yorker

Grant fought the war described by McBeth.

The New York Times

"Lives which are described by the data".

The Guardian

Described by a friend as, "Smiley.

The Guardian

Dust definitively described by a master.

The Guardian - Books

"They were described by their jobs.

The Guardian

They are described by and.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The system described by Eqs.

Advances in Difference Equations

Disadvantages were described by 53.5%%.

Annals of Intensive Care

Office politics is best described by a simple example.

TechCrunch

But it's been described by Bloomberg as "Davos for geeks".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "described by", ensure that the source or method of description is clearly identified to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "described by" without specifying who or what is doing the describing. Vague attributions weaken your statement and can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "described by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the source or method through which something is characterized or defined. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "described by" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to attribute descriptions to their sources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "characterized by" and "defined by" exist, "described by" offers a specific focus on the act of description. Remember to clearly identify the source of the description for clarity and credibility. With very common usage, mastering "described by" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterized by

Focuses on the inherent qualities or features that define something.

defined by

Emphasizes the specific attributes or criteria that determine something.

portrayed by

Highlights the way something is depicted or represented.

represented by

Stresses the use of something as a symbol or equivalent of something else.

illustrated by

Indicates that something is clarified or exemplified by a particular instance.

specified by

Highlights that details are explicitly mentioned somewhere.

expressed through

Focuses on how something is conveyed or communicated.

indicated by

Highlights that something provides evidence about other thing.

known as

Focuses on the common name or title associated with something.

labeled as

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific designation or category.

FAQs

How can I use "described by" in a sentence?

Use "described by" to indicate the source or method of a description. For example, "The economic model is "described by" Smith in his book."

What is a good alternative to "described by"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "described by" include "characterized by", "defined by", or "portrayed by".

Is it correct to say "was described by"?

Yes, "was described by" is grammatically correct. It indicates that something was described in the past by a specific source or individual. For example, "The event "was described by" witnesses as chaotic."

What's the difference between "described by" and "as described by"?

"Described by" directly attributes a description to a source, while "as described by" emphasizes adherence to a specific account or method. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the source itself or the accuracy of the description.