describes it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describes it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey how someone or something characterizes or defines a particular subject or object. Example: "The author describes it as a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional narratives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its director even describes it as a factory.

The Guardian

Even Mr Jones describes it as "superb".

The Economist

He describes it as an "up" album.

Independent

He describes it as "like working out.

The New York Times

She describes it as "Audrey Hepburn-like".

The New York Times

He describes it as a love story.

Columbia University

Kim describes it as "just magic".

The Guardian - Music

The Catholic Church describes it as "monstrous".

MIT Technology Review

Brooks describes it as his sabbatical year.

The Washington Post

Piper describes it as a crazy situation.

The Guardian

He describes it as "a conversation.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "describes it as", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "describes it as" without properly attributing the description to a specific source, as this can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentation of opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describes it as" functions as an attributional verb phrase. It introduces a description or characterization provided by a specific source. Ludwig AI's examples show its widespread use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describes it as" is a versatile and common way to attribute a specific description or characterization to a source. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general media. Grammatically correct and neutral in tone, it serves to accurately convey perspectives or definitions. While alternatives like "characterizes it as" or "defines it as" exist, the key is proper attribution to avoid misrepresentation. Overall, "describes it as" remains a reliable choice for clearly presenting information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterizes it as

Replaces "describes" with a synonym emphasizing the defining characteristics.

defines it as

Focuses on providing a clear and concise definition.

portrays it as

Emphasizes the way something is represented or depicted.

refers to it as

Highlights the specific term or name used to identify something.

identifies it as

Stresses the act of recognizing and naming something.

views it as

Indicates a particular perspective or opinion.

interprets it as

Focuses on the understanding or explanation of something.

labels it as

Highlights the act of assigning a specific label or category.

depicts it as

Focuses on visual representation or imagery.

presents it as

Emphasizes the manner in which something is showcased or offered.

FAQs

How do I use "describes it as" in a sentence?

Use "describes it as" to show how someone characterizes something. For instance, "The author "describes it as" a groundbreaking work."

What are some alternatives to "describes it as"?

You can use alternatives like "characterizes it as", "defines it as", or "portrays it as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "describes it as" and "characterizes it as"?

While similar, "describes it as" is a general term for providing details, while "characterizes it as" implies focusing on the key traits or qualities that define something.

Can "describes it as" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "describes it as" is suitable for formal writing as it is a neutral and clear way to attribute a description or definition to a source.