describes with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describes with" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a direct object or context that clarifies what is being described. Example: "The author describes with vivid imagery the beauty of the landscape."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Livingstone describes with endearing sensitivity his difficult upbringing.

The Guardian

Shehadeh describes with courage and grace the internal struggle to remain fair.

The New Yorker

The relationship she describes with Robert Mapplethorpe is deep and shining and touching.

The Guardian - Books

Throughout the book, Pierre explicitly aligns the decadence he describes with capitalism gone bad.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Kleczka credits the fund's value philosophy, which he describes with great simplicity.

The New York Times

There a drug misadventure tips her into a downswing, which Ms. Fisher describes with lacerating clarity.

The New York Times - Books

In "The Folded Leaf" Maxwell describes, with a candor then rare in American fiction, homosexual passion.

The New Yorker

Stone also describes with gusto the town's infamous marijuana depots, known as coffee shops.

The New York Times

Yet, just three years after the tour which Owens describes with such elation on Lysandre, they'd split up.

The Guardian - Music

Annan also describes with great empathy the trials of the anthropologist Jane Harrison in a man's world.

The New York Times - Books

In a letter home, she describes with wonder the "bananas, pineapples, or the chicken, and veal" available in Vienna.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, focus on clarity and choose more precise language to convey your message effectively, avoiding vague phrases.

Common error

Avoid using "with" as a catch-all preposition. Instead, choose prepositions that accurately reflect the relationship between the description and its elements, such as "using", "through", or "by means of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describes with" functions as a verb phrase aiming to express the manner in which something is portrayed or explained. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it's often considered grammatically incorrect, suggesting the need for a more precise verb construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "describes with" appears frequently, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. This suggests that although the phrase is common, particularly in News & Media, it's advisable to use more grammatically sound alternatives such as "describes using" or "details with" for improved clarity and precision, especially in formal writing. By opting for more precise language, writers can ensure their message is conveyed effectively and without ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describes using

This alternative emphasizes the method or tool used in the description, focusing on how the description is conveyed.

depicts with

Similar to "describes with", but leans more towards visual representation or imagery in the description.

illustrates with

This suggests providing examples or visual aids to clarify the description.

details with

This implies providing specific and thorough information within the description.

presents with

Focuses on how something is introduced or displayed, rather than the act of describing itself.

recounts with

This emphasizes the act of narrating or telling a story with certain elements.

outlines with

This suggests providing a summary or framework alongside the description.

characterizes with

Focuses on identifying key traits or qualities during the description.

portrays with

This is more focused on the specific manner in which something or someone is presented.

elucidates with

Suggests making the description clear and easy to understand through additional information.

FAQs

How can I improve the sentence structure when using "describes with"?

Instead of "describes with", consider using a more direct verb construction like "describes using" or "details with" to improve sentence clarity. For example, "He describes using vivid imagery" is clearer than "He describes with vivid imagery".

What are some alternatives to "describes with" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives such as "describes using", "details with", or "illustrates with" can be used depending on the specific context you want to convey. Each offers a slightly different nuance.

Is "describes with" grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "describes with" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "describes using" or "details with".

What's the difference between "describes with" and "describes using"?

"Describes using" is grammatically more sound than "describes with", because it indicates the method or tool employed in the description, while "describes with" lacks this direct connection and sounds awkward. Thus, use the first one.