description

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to refer to a verbal or written account of someone or something, usually from a certain point of view. For example: "The description in the novel provided a vivid picture of the protagonist's life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McIntyre dismissed Gerry Adams's description of the project as a "malicious" plot against him.

The Guardian

This has sometimes meant taking on the vested interests of the medical profession, and Seddon's description of SalaUna suggests that power lies with the managers of the business, who use contracts, incentives, data and dismissal as tools to shape the behaviour of clinicians.

The Guardian

The following day he totally blew a gasket, saying that Ed Balls' description of Liam Byrne's "there's no money left" note as a joke was "frankly the most appalling thing I have heard in this election campaign so far".

The Guardian

You add a description about that issue and provide information about its location.

The Guardian

I think the experiences shared by these five women are relevant to all of us, regardless of age, industry or job description.

The Guardian

The language of description is always a matter of equivalence (a word equals the thing it describes) and so cannot contend with the sublime.

The Guardian - Books

"ASH shares RSPH's concern that the term 'e-cigarette' is not a particularly useful description given that the products are not cigarettes, do not contain tobacco and they are not smoked.

The Guardian

Lydia Nicholas's description of the relationship between Douglas Adam's fictional Hitchhiker's Guide and the real life development of the iPad shows how science fiction can effortlessly influence the development of new technology.

The Guardian - Tech

The new service will provide "mobile, one-to-one support in a range of convenient locations", including at home – a description that suggests the taxman will be taking to the road, salesman-style.

The Guardian

He'll cost £25m, which is no longer big money in the world of football, but sounds like a pretty penny to us, so the description stays.

The Guardian - Sport

Our connected times have meant that we've always got a stupid tablet of some description to finger-punch away on until someone comes along to save us from the horror of our own minds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure your "description" is objective and avoid injecting personal biases. Stick to factual information to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid generalities when writing a "description". Provide concrete details and examples to ensure the audience understands precisely what you are describing. For example, instead of saying "The car was fast", say "The car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "description" is as a noun. It refers to a verbal or written account of someone or something, providing details and characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "description" is a noun commonly used to provide a verbal or written account of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific literature. When writing a "description", focus on providing specific details and avoiding vague generalities. Alternatives such as "detailed account", "explanation", and "portrayal" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that its register is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of formal and informal communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account

A factual or narrative report of events.

detailed account

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the account.

explanation

Focuses on clarifying the meaning or cause of something.

portrayal

Highlights the artistic or subjective nature of the depiction.

representation

Stresses the act of symbolizing or standing in for something else.

outline

Suggests a summary of the key elements or features.

characterization

Specifically refers to the depiction of a character's traits or qualities.

depiction

Refers to the act of visually or verbally representing something.

version

Implies a particular interpretation or perspective.

specification

Highlights the detailed requirements or characteristics.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "description"?

You can use alternatives like "detailed account", "explanation", or "portrayal" depending on the context.

How do I write a good "description"?

Focus on providing specific details, using sensory language, and maintaining objectivity. Avoid vague statements and personal biases.

What is the difference between "description" and "explanation"?

"Description" provides details about something, while "explanation" clarifies the meaning or cause of something. While both involve conveying information, they serve different purposes.

When is it appropriate to use the word "description"?

The word "description" is appropriate when you need to provide a verbal or written account of someone or something, focusing on its characteristics, features, or qualities.