describes how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describes how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or demonstrate a process, idea, or concept. For example, "This article describes how humans are adapting to climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Another describes how he survived a shipwreck.

The New York Times - Arts

He describes how he adjusts a compass.

The New Yorker

He describes how painful the process is.

The New Yorker

She describes how she and Goble met.

The New Yorker

He describes how it operates.

The New Yorker

The book describes how girls "dissed him".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Vasic described how the scheme worked.

The New Yorker

Words can't describe how I feel".

Independent

I cannot describe how bad it tastes.

Independent

Briefly describe how they are similar".

The New York Times

I can't describe how that feels".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describes how", ensure the subsequent explanation is clear and concise, focusing on the key steps or aspects of the process or concept being explained.

Common error

Avoid making the explanation following "describes how" too intricate or convoluted. Aim for clarity and simplicity to ensure the reader can easily grasp the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describes how" functions as a relative clause introducing an explanation or a detailed account of a process, method, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatical and correct expression. It serves to connect a statement with an explanation of the underlying process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describes how" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce explanations of processes or methods. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Analysis of its usage reveals it is most common in science, news media, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex explanations. Alternatives such as "explains how" and "details how" can provide nuanced variations. In summary, "describes how" serves as a valuable tool for clear and effective communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explains how

This alternative directly indicates the act of explaining a process or method, offering a straightforward synonym.

details how

This option emphasizes a thorough and comprehensive explanation, suggesting a higher level of detail.

outlines how

This phrase suggests a structured and organized explanation, focusing on the main points or steps.

illustrates how

This option implies the use of examples or visuals to clarify a process or concept, making it more concrete.

demonstrates how

This phrase conveys a practical display of a process, often involving a step-by-step walkthrough.

shows how

A more informal and direct way of indicating an explanation, suitable for simpler contexts.

elucidates how

This alternative implies a clarification of something previously unclear or complex.

clarifies how

This option focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

defines how

This suggests a formal specification or explanation of how something works or is structured.

presents how

This option implies that something will be showed or explained.

FAQs

How can I use "describes how" in a sentence?

Use "describes how" to introduce an explanation of a process, mechanism, or concept. For example, "The manual describes how to assemble the product".

What are some alternatives to "describes how"?

You can use alternatives such as "explains how", "details how", or "outlines how" depending on the level of detail you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "describes how" in formal writing?

Yes, "describes how" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, or academic contexts where processes and mechanisms need to be explained clearly.

What's the difference between "describes how" and "suggests how"?

"Describes how" provides a factual explanation of a process or method, while "suggests how" proposes a possible way of doing something, often without certainty.