describes that

USAGE SUMMARY

"describes that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a good choice when you want to explain something, provide details, or give clarification. For example, "His textured artwork describes that trees can have many layers of beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Ellner describes that time as dark and scarring.

The New York Times

(The N.F.L. describes that estimate as "a wild guess").

The New York Times

Her resilient spirit is apparent when she describes that time.

The New York Times

Ms. Stern describes that evening in brutal detail.

The New York Times

Instead it describes that function as "networking and outreach".

The New York Times

He describes that effort as his "Norman Rockwell thing".

The New York Times

He describes that process as more intuitive than intellectual.

The New York Times

"Give me a word that describes that", she asks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She describes that moment on the website about the book.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's a link to the article that describes that gut-busting twofer.

The New York Times

The letter describes that process as "jurisprudence built in the dark".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "describes that" to introduce a clause that provides details or explanations about a subject. For instance, "The study describes that participants showed improvement after the intervention."

Common error

Be mindful of using overly descriptive language around "describes that". Ensure the sentence flows naturally and doesn't repeat information unnecessarily. For example, instead of saying, "The author vividly describes that the scene was chaotic", simply say, "The author describes that the scene was chaotic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describes that" functions as a reporting verb followed by a complement clause. It introduces information about what someone or something explains or portrays. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "describes that" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce information or explanations, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a reporting verb, often used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to convey details and insights. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality. Remember to avoid redundancy and choose the most appropriate alternative, such as ""indicates that"" or ""explains that"", depending on the context. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates that

Replaces "describes" with "indicates", shifting the focus to pointing out or suggesting something rather than a full description.

explains that

Substitutes "describes" with "explains", emphasizing the act of making something clear or understandable.

details that

Changes "describes" to "details", highlighting the provision of specific information.

outlines that

Replaces "describes" with "outlines", focusing on presenting a summary or the main features of something.

specifies that

Substitutes "describes" with "specifies", emphasizing precision and particularity in the information provided.

clarifies that

Changes "describes" to "clarifies", highlighting the act of making something easier to understand.

elucidates that

Replaces "describes" with "elucidates", which implies making something clear and comprehensible, often through detailed explanation.

narrates that

Substitutes "describes" with "narrates", suggesting the presentation of a sequence of events or a story.

portrays that

Changes "describes" to "portrays", emphasizing the representation or depiction of something.

characterizes that

Replaces "describes" with "characterizes", focusing on identifying and describing the distinctive qualities or features of something.

FAQs

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

Use "describes that" to introduce a clause providing details or explanations. For example, "The report "describes that" the new policy will affect all employees".

What are some alternatives to "describes that"?

Alternatives include "indicates that", "explains that", or "details that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "describes that" in formal writing?

Yes, "describes that" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the context and surrounding language are also appropriately formal.

What is the difference between "describes that" and "says that"?

"Says that" is more general and can refer to a simple statement. "Describes that" implies a more detailed account or explanation.