described to contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described to contain" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when referring to something that has been characterized or detailed in terms of its contents or features, but the construction is awkward. Example: "The report was described to contain various findings on climate change, but the details were lacking."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The most prominent Caspase-2-containing protein complex was dubbed the 'PIDDosome' and described to contain the p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD1) and receptor-interacting protein-associated ICH-1/CED-3 homologous protein with a death domain (RAIDD, also known as CRADD).

Cell Death and Differentiation

Patients with Ehlers Danlos syndrome were described to contain reduced activities of β4-galactosyltransferase-7 (β4-galactosyltransferase-7

Clinical Biochemistry

Among other families of H3-receptor ligands, the proxifan class has recently been described to contain numerous potent histamine H3-receptor antagonists, e.g. ciproxifan or imoproxifan.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Almost thirty years ago an isopropanolic extract of CR was described to contain the estrogenic isoflavone formononetine [19] but subsequent studies on a variety of CR extracts did not confirm this finding.

Clinical Phytoscience

In 2002, the new family Caloscyphaceae was described to contain the monotypic genus Caloscypha.

Wikipedia

For these reasons the new family Limnoperdaceae was described to contain the new species, and it was classified along the Protogastraceae in the (now defunct) order Protogastrales.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Most TGFβR1 kinase inhibitors described to date contain a core five-membered ring bearing N as H-bond acceptor.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

Light cells presented an increase in tumorsphere-forming efficiency and were enriched for ALDHbright cells, described to exclusively contain the CSC population [ 7].

Breast Cancer Research

All other metazoan centromeres described to date contain significant amounts of heterochromatin, as indicated by H3K9me and HP1 [ 5, 34], which may be important for centromeric sister chromatid cohesion.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The largest functional gene array described to date contains 1,662 50-mer oligonucleotide probes for 2,402 genes involved in biodegradation and metal resistance [2], and was recently upgraded to include over 24,000 probes [3].

Plosone

Individual and institutional efforts were similarly described to manage and contain hostile or uncaring providers and an under-resourced working environment.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for stronger verbs like "includes", "contains", or "features" to make your writing more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The report was described to contain findings", say "The report included findings".

Common error

Avoid using "described to contain" in passive constructions. Rephrase to active voice for clarity. Instead of "The sample was described to contain impurities", write "The analysis described the sample as containing impurities" or "The sample contained impurities, as described in the analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "described to contain" acts as a verb phrase, often embedded within a passive construction. Ludwig AI suggests that this construction is not correct in standard written English. It aims to express the content or characteristics of something as per a description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "described to contain" is used to indicate the contents or characteristics of something based on a description, it is considered awkward in standard English. Ludwig AI highlights this point, suggesting it's not the best choice for formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific contexts but is infrequent overall. For clearer and more effective communication, consider alternatives like "stated to include", "reported to have", or "found to contain". Always aim for direct and active voice constructions to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated to include

Directly indicates inclusion, replacing "described" with "stated" for a more assertive tone.

reported to have

Conveys information received from a source, changing the focus from description to reporting.

found to include

Emphasizes a discovery or finding, rather than a mere description.

shown to have

Highlights a demonstration or proof, suggesting a higher level of evidence.

known to contain

Indicates established knowledge or a widely accepted fact.

characterized by

Shifts the focus to the defining characteristics of something.

defined as including

Specifies an official or formal definition.

specified to include

Similar to defined but emphasizes that something in particular was explicitely mentioned to be there.

understood to include

Highlights something that is commonly believed to be there, eventually without direct mention of it.

regarded as having

Emphasizes an opinion or point of view.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "described to contain"?

You can use alternatives like "stated to include", "reported to have", or "found to include" depending on the context.

Is "described to contain" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "described to contain" is considered awkward in standard English. It's better to use more direct phrasing.

How can I use "described to contain" in a sentence?

While not recommended, you might encounter it in sentences like, "The document was described to contain confidential information." However, "The document stated it included confidential information" is better.

What's the difference between "described to contain" and "found to contain"?

"Described to contain" implies a characterization or detail provided, whereas "found to contain" suggests a discovery through investigation.