describing as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describing as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate how someone or something is characterized or labeled. Example: "The author is describing her protagonist as a strong and independent woman who defies societal norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Should an AP reporter refrain from describing as anxious someone sweating and pacing up and down as they await execution?

The Guardian - Opinion

Afterward, at a news conference, Mr. McCain demanded that Mr. Bush end "push-polling," the campaign technique Ms. Duren was describing, as well as negative television advertisements.

The New York Times

He rejected various conspiracy theories surrounding him, describing as "bullshit" suggestions he is a Russian spy.

The Guardian

The result is what experts are describing as an epidemic of obesity.

The New York Times - Food

For now, what refugees are describing as an Islamist reign of terror runs unchecked.

The New York Times

"Mike was living the pain of what he was describing as he told it".

The New York Times

The result has been what many are describing as an advice gap.

Independent

Meanwhile on Friday, Kent will mark what it is describing as a major milestone for selective education in the UK.

The Guardian

According to Fleming, it's "a film that insiders are describing as 'No Country For Old Men' on steroids".

The New Yorker

"We don't think the sweeps live up to the consistent and compassionate label the mayor's office has been describing as.

The Guardian

Romney raised Gingrich's remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing as "incendiary" Gingrich's claim that Palestinians were an "invented people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on opinions or characterizations, use "describing as" to attribute the viewpoint to a specific source, maintaining objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "describing as" when presenting your own opinion or characterization. Ensure the description is directly attributed to a source to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describing as" functions primarily as a reporting verb, used to attribute a specific description or characterization to a subject or source. Ludwig AI confirms its role in conveying how something is perceived or presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "describing as" is a versatile tool for attributing descriptions and characterizations, predominantly used in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed to convey subjective interpretations rather than objective facts. For alternatives, consider "characterizing as" or "portraying as". When using this phrase, ensure accurate attribution to avoid misrepresentation. Be mindful of the context and ensure a neutral tone to maintain objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterizing as

Emphasizes the act of assigning specific qualities or traits.

portraying as

Suggests a depiction or representation, often with a particular slant.

depicting as

Similar to portraying, but can also refer to visual representations.

referring to as

Indicates the specific term or label used.

labeling as

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific category or designation.

identifying as

Highlights the process of recognizing or classifying something.

terming as

Implies a specific choice of wording or terminology.

presenting as

Emphasizes the way something is shown or displayed.

representing as

Focuses on acting as a symbol or stand-in for something else.

considering as

Implies evaluating or regarding something in a particular light.

FAQs

How do I properly use "describing as" in a sentence?

Use "describing as" to attribute a description or characterization to a specific source. For example, "The journalist is describing the policy "as controversial"."

What are some alternatives to "describing as"?

You can use alternatives like "characterizing as", "portraying as", or "depicting as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "describing as" and "explaining as"?

"Describing as" focuses on the qualities or characteristics attributed to something, while "explaining as" focuses on providing a reason or understanding of something. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

When should I use "describing as" versus simply stating a fact?

Use "describing as" when you are reporting someone else's interpretation or opinion. If you are presenting an objective truth, a direct statement is more appropriate.