description of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "description of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to explain or provide details about a particular object, concept, or event. Example: "The description of something as complex as human emotions can vary greatly from person to person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I would spend hours writing a description of something simple like a pencil, which would run over two pages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are metaphors about date palms, and a description of something being "as merciful as rain on mud huts".

The New York Times

This is a lofty description of something that began, somewhat whimsically, with a forty-eight-page, paperbound booklet called "Twentysix Gasoline Stations".

The New Yorker

(Or, write your own, perhaps creating a basic description of something specific to your school community, like a recent football game or a local hangout).

The New York Times

In its wake have come a proliferation of projects in the same vein — the proteome (proteins), the foldome (folding of proteins) — each promising a complete description of something or other.

The New York Times - Magazine

About a third of the way through his all-encompassing, brave and deeply humane book, "The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression," Andrew Solomon writes a vivid description of something called an ndeup (pronounced nn-DUPP).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Sometimes riddles also use "kennings," which are poetic, figurative descriptions of something simple -- a riddle within a riddle!

WikiHow

Your characters are seeing each other in a new, intimate way, so reflect this by including physical descriptions of something not noticed before.

WikiHow

But a real theory should include a mechanism a description of how something works.

Harvard Business Review

Description of party: something that fits the theme, but cleverly sneaks in information at the same time.

WikiHow

By this he means inferences from descriptions of particular instances of something to descriptions of that general kind of thing.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a description, focus on specific details that evoke a clear image or understanding in the reader's mind. Use sensory language to make the description more vivid and engaging.

Common error

Avoid relying on overly general terms when crafting a description. Instead of saying something is "good" or "interesting", specify what makes it so, providing concrete examples or characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "description of something" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the act or result of providing details about a subject, as supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "description of something" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered phrase used to refer to the act of providing details about a particular subject. It appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While suitable in many scenarios, alternative phrases such as "account of something" or "characterization of something" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired nuance. When using this phrase, focus on specificity and sensory details to create vivid and engaging descriptions, and avoid overly generic language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account of something

Emphasizes a narrative or recounting, rather than just a depiction.

representation of something

Focuses on how something is portrayed or symbolized.

characterization of something

Highlights the qualities or features used to define something.

portrayal of something

Similar to representation, but often implies a more artistic or subjective depiction.

depiction of something

Focuses on the act of illustrating or representing in detail.

explanation of something

Shifts the focus to providing clarity and understanding about the subject.

rendering of something

Implies a transformation or interpretation in the act of describing.

image of something

Suggests a visual representation, either literal or figurative.

outline of something

Suggests a brief or simplified representation.

summary of something

Focuses on providing a concise overview of the key points.

FAQs

How can I improve my "description of something"?

To enhance your "description of something", use precise language, incorporate sensory details, and consider the perspective from which you are describing it. Show, don't just tell.

What's the difference between "description of something" and "account of something"?

While both phrases refer to providing details, "description of something" typically focuses on the characteristics or qualities, while "account of something" suggests a narrative or recounting of events related to the subject.

Is there a more formal alternative to "description of something"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "characterization of something" or "representation of something" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

How does the context affect my "description of something"?

The context significantly shapes your "description of something". Consider your audience, the purpose of the description, and the overall tone you want to convey. Adjust your language and level of detail accordingly.