describes how to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describes how to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are attempting to explain a process or procedure. For example, "This article describes how to properly store food in your refrigerator."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He describes how to be enthusiastic.

The New Yorker

My book, the Happy Manifesto, describes how to do it.

The Guardian

This video describes how to share your calendar.

Stanford University

describes how to get and use xpp (Bard wrote xpp).

Yale University

Rhonda Magee describes how to apply mindfulness to the workplace.

University of California, Berkeley

The Ptolemy II Installation page describes how to rebuild Ptolemy.

University of California, Berkeley

The Starting ChIPS thread describes how to start ChIPS.

Harvard University

The chapter further describes how to configure the workstation.

Linux for Embedded and Real-time Applications

The book describes how to make nail bombs like those that exploded in London last year.

The Guardian

A summary of an Airbus video that describes how to lock and unlock the cockpit door.

The New York Times

The patent describes how to route signals to 1,000 ultrathin wires using 10 larger wires.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "describes how to", ensure that the following verb accurately reflects the action being explained. For example, "describes how to install" is more precise than "describes how to use" if the content focuses on installation steps.

Common error

Avoid using "describes how to" when the content only touches upon the process superficially. If the explanation lacks depth or detail, consider using a phrase like "mentions how to" or "introduces the concept of how to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describes how to" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces a description or explanation of a process, method, or procedure. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase, indicating it's a standard part of English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

34%

Science

30%

News & Media

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describes how to" serves as a functional element for introducing procedural explanations, and is prevalent across a spectrum of sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is especially common in academic, scientific, and news contexts. The phrase's purpose is to instruct and inform, with a tone ranging from neutral to formal based on the context of use. Several alternative phrases such as "explains how to" and "details the method to" can be used interchangeably based on the desired degree of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explains how to

Focuses on making something clear and understandable, similar to describing.

Details the method to

Emphasizes a step-by-step explanation of a particular approach.

Outlines the process for

Provides a structured summary of a procedure, akin to a high-level description.

Illustrates how to

Uses examples or visual aids to clarify a process, similar to describing with added clarity.

Specifies the way to

Indicates a precise and unambiguous method, similar to giving exact instructions.

Demonstrates the procedure to

Shows a method in action, providing a practical understanding.

Presents the guidelines for

Offers a set of rules or recommendations, similar to a descriptive overview.

Indicates how to

Points out or shows a particular way to do something; less detailed than describing.

Clarifies the means to

Makes the method or approach understandable.

Instructs on how to

Provides direct guidance on performing a task, more directive than descriptive.

FAQs

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

You can use "describes how to" to introduce an explanation of a process or method, as in "The manual "describes how to install" the software".

What are some alternatives to "describes how to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "explains how to", "details the method to", or "outlines the process for", depending on the level of detail and formality required.

Is it better to say "describes how to" or "explains how to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "explains how to" might be preferred when emphasizing clarity and understanding, while "describes how to" is a more general statement about providing information.

What is the difference between "describes how to" and "shows how to"?

"Shows how to" often implies a demonstration or visual aid, while "describes how to" suggests a verbal or written explanation. Use "shows how to" when the method is demonstrated visually.