describes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something provides a detailed account or explanation of a subject or concept. Example: "The report describes the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a design statement that verges on farce, Mayne describes the proposal as "a minimalist act that reiterates the site and offers to the viewer a mirrored, refracted perspective of the landscape".

The Guardian - Arts

7 January: The Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi describes Mario Balotelli as a "bad apple" during a televised interview, adding, "I would never accept him being a part of our changing room".

The Guardian - Sport

Nick Hopkinson of Property Portfolio Rescue, which buys houses from distressed buy-to-let borrowers, describes the Nationwide's reported increase as a "statistical blip" which would "not fool anybody who is struggling to sell their home or obtain realistic mortgage finance in the real world".

The Guardian - Business

O'Connor describes McGowan as a "progressive National" on the political spectrum, but admits that others will find it hard to know exactly what she stands for.

The Guardian

The first was written during Lucinda's final illness and describes a holiday the couple took on Crete after discovering that she had only a year and a half to live.

The Guardian - Books

The way he describes it, his hunger - to move people, to keep learning, not to take anything for granted - never shifts into something so out of control as craving.

The Guardian - Film

He added that Christian values "are the values on which our nation was built" and describes himself as an "unapologetic supporter of the role of faith in this country".

The Guardian

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

In the email, Jacobs describes Ng as "Leonel's contact with Beijing and the one who delivered msg from SGA".

The Guardian

The language of description is always a matter of equivalence (a word equals the thing it describes) and so cannot contend with the sublime.

The Guardian - Books

Even so, the content of the film is so gruesome that the team insisted that a panel discussion be held after every screening, to help with what Haggith describes as the "shock and trauma" it induces.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describes", ensure that the subject clearly conveys a detailed account or explanation. For example, "The author "describes" the setting vividly, immersing the reader in the scene."

Common error

Avoid using "describes" when a more specific verb like 'mentions', 'lists', or 'states' would be more accurate. "Describes" implies a level of detail that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "describes" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense. It indicates that a subject is providing a detailed account or explanation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

10%

Books

10%

Less common in

Film

8%

Opinion

4%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "describes" is a versatile verb used to indicate a detailed account or explanation. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and appears frequently in reliable sources. When using "describes", ensure the subject offers a level of detail appropriate to the context, and consider alternatives like "explains" or "portrays" for nuanced meanings. Remember to use "describes" with singular subjects and "describe" with plural subjects to maintain grammatical accuracy. The term is commonly found across many contexts. When combined, all these points are proof that the phrase "describes" is a valid one for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explains

Focuses on clarifying reasons, causes or methods.

portrays

Implies a visual representation or vivid depiction, differing from a simple account.

depicts

Focuses on creating a visual or imaginative representation.

details

Focuses on providing specific information and particulars.

characterizes

Highlights the distinctive qualities or features of something.

recounts

Suggests telling a story or giving an account of events.

elucidates

Emphasizes making something clear or understandable through explanation.

outlines

Provides a general overview or summary of key points.

presents

Highlights the act of formally introducing or displaying information.

represents

Indicates standing for or symbolizing something else.

FAQs

How to use "describes" in a sentence?

Use "describes" to indicate that someone or something provides a detailed account or explanation. For example, "The witness "describes" the events leading up to the accident".

What can I say instead of "describes"?

You can use alternatives like "explains", "details", or "portrays" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "describes" or "describe"?

"Describes" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "describe", used when the subject is singular (e.g., he, she, it). "Describe" is used for other subjects (e.g., I, you, we, they).

What's the difference between "describes" and "depicts"?

"Describes" focuses on providing a verbal account or explanation, while "depicts" implies a visual representation or vivid portrayal. You describe a scene with words, but you depict it with images or artistic representations.