described to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described to me" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that has been explained to you in detail. For example, "She described to me all the steps I need to take to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The shandies had been described to me as agricultural fairs.

The New Yorker

Do you?! (Laughs) That's how it was described to me.

The Guardian - Music

Kumary was calm as she described to me the carnage of that night.

The New York Times - Magazine

My brother had described to me an event from his own trip several years prior.

The Guardian - Books

He was described to me as her "alter ego", when of course the opposite is true.

Independent

This extraordinary nautical salute was described to me almost half a century ago by Capt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He responded: "If somebody would describe to me a crisis.

The New York Times - Sports

And describe to me your own childish experience of monsters.

The Guardian - Film

Earlier, she'd been trying to describe to me the quintessential Japanese comics-and-anime geek.

The New Yorker

So I'll ask people to describe to me how my product works.

The New York Times

That describes to me pretty accurately what this version of Windows is.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "described to me", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the description. This adds credibility and clarifies the source of information.

Common error

Avoid using "described to me" without specifying who did the describing. Failing to do so can make your writing vague and less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "described to me" functions as a reporting verb phrase combined with a prepositional phrase indicating the recipient of the description. It attributes information or details to a specific source, enhancing credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "described to me" is a common and grammatically correct way to attribute information or details to a specific source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey information relayed by others, adding credibility to the account. When using "described to me", clarity regarding the source of the description is crucial for maintaining the strength and persuasiveness of your writing. Alternatives such as "was explained to me" or "was portrayed to me" can be used to introduce subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was explained to me

Focuses on the act of explanation rather than a detailed account.

was portrayed to me

Emphasizes the manner in which something was presented or depicted.

was recounted to me

Highlights the act of telling a story or giving an account.

was detailed to me

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough explanation was given.

was communicated to me

Broadly indicates that information was conveyed without specifying the method.

was presented to me

Focuses on the act of showing or introducing something.

was related to me

Indicates a connection or association was made clear.

was depicted to me

Highlights the visual or descriptive aspect of the communication.

I was told about

More casual and less detailed than the original phrase.

as it was explained

Shifts focus to the manner of explanation itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "described to me" to indicate that someone has provided a detailed explanation or account of something. For example, "The process was "described to me" as complex and time-consuming."

What are some alternatives to using "described to me"?

Alternatives include "was explained to me", "was portrayed to me", or "was recounted to me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "explained to me" and "described to me"?

"Explained to me" generally refers to making something understandable, while ""described to me"" implies providing a detailed account or image. Use ""described to me"" when you want to emphasize the vividness or thoroughness of the information received.

When is it appropriate to use "described to me" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "described to me" when you want to attribute specific details or characteristics of something to a particular source. It's especially useful in journalism, reports, or academic writing where citing sources is important.