described it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the qualities or characteristics of something that you are talking about. For example: "The customer described the new clothes as stylish and fashionable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few women described it as beautiful.

The New York Times - Sports

But he described it as clearly effective.

Huffington Post

Garten described it as "telekinesis".

The New Yorker

Super Deporte described it as "total ecstasy".

The Guardian - Sport

He described it as "the hacker way".

The New York Times

He described it as "tax efficient".

Independent

Facebook described it as "smoking gun evidence".

The New York Times

Sarsour described it as "very secular".

The New York Times - Sports

She described it as a "housecooling party".

The New York Times

Pettine described it as "more anxious".

The New York Times - Sports

Some described it as a royal tour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like 'characterized it as' or 'portrayed it as' to make your writing more engaging and avoid repetition.

Common error

Ensure the description you attribute using "described it as" accurately reflects the source's original statement. Avoid paraphrasing in a way that distorts the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "described it as" serves as a reporting verb phrase, attributing a specific characterization or description to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where individuals or sources offer their perspectives or opinions on a particular topic. This phrase is used to convey subjective assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Reference

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "described it as" is a versatile tool for attributing descriptions and opinions to various sources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across a wide range of contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure accurate attribution and consider alternative phrases like "characterized it as" or "referred to it as" to diversify your writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, the formality can shift depending on the source material. Avoid misattributing descriptions to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterized it as

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific character or quality.

referred to it as

Highlights the act of mentioning or alluding to something with a particular name or description.

defined it as

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or explanation.

portrayed it as

Suggests a depiction, often through art or writing, emphasizing a particular viewpoint.

depicted it as

Similar to 'portrayed it as', but can also apply to visual representations.

labeled it as

Highlights the act of assigning a specific label or category.

termed it as

A more formal way of saying 'called it as'.

considered it to be

Suggests a thoughtful assessment or evaluation.

viewed it as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or way of looking at something.

assessed it as

Highlights a formal evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "described it as" in a sentence?

You can use "described it as" to show how someone characterized something. For example, "The critic "described it as" a masterpiece".

What are some alternatives to "described it as"?

Alternatives include "characterized it as", "referred to it as", or "defined it as" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "describe it like" instead of "described it as"?

While "describe it like" is sometimes used informally, ""described it as"" is generally more grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing.

What's the difference between "described it as" and "defined it as"?

"Described it as" implies a subjective impression or characterization, while ""defined it as"" suggests a more formal or precise explanation of meaning.