descriptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'descriptions' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to detailed accounts of something or someone, probably in the form of words. For example, "The artist's paintings are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the different scenes they depict".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the second book, Un Corbusier, the architect and academic François Chaslin, who is an admirer of the architect, is unstinting in his descriptions and analysis of Le Corbusier's links to fascist groups and ideologies, and points out that at one stage Le Corbusier maintained an office for 18 months under the Vichy government.

The Guardian

I am fed up with complacency and cronyism, and I'm fed up with the floppy-haired Eton club Richard Desmond The newspaper publisher is the owner of the Sunday Express, the Daily Star and OK! magazine, as well as Television X and the Red Hot adult channels, although he strongly rejects descriptions of himself as a pornography baron.

The Guardian

Dutton attempted to stare down detailed arguments from health practitioners post-budget that the government's safety net system for the co-payments was at odds with the government's descriptions of it.

The Guardian

Taken as a whole, the myriad descriptions and depictions of winters past serve as an extended narrative, charting a course of the human imagination.

The Guardian - Books

His descriptions of LA are so visceral, I half expect to see Dudley Smith appear out of nowhere from an alley.

The Guardian - Books

Oduch's various descriptions and their accompanying pictures exceeded the bounds of prurience.

The Guardian

Descriptions of real and considerable achievements are inevitably dismissed as special pleading and self-justification.

The Guardian - Opinion

He did not discourage later western descriptions of him as Khrushchev's adviser or speechwriter, although these exaggerated his role at that time.

The Guardian

It was one of the first descriptions of what became known as the "age-sex" difference in HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Guardian

Share your own pictures and descriptions with GuardianWitness, on Twitter and Instagram using #hoc50 or let us know suggestions in the comments below.

The Guardian

Loftus told 24 adults to write detailed descriptions of four childhood events supplied earlier on by a family member.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "descriptions", ensure they are vivid and detailed to effectively convey the subject matter. Consider using sensory language to create a more immersive experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using generic or non-specific language when providing "descriptions". Ensure they are tailored to the subject and provide unique, insightful details that enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "descriptions" is as a plural noun, serving as the object or subject in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it refers to the act of describing or the result of describing something, as in "detailed descriptions of events".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Music

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "descriptions" functions as a plural noun denoting detailed accounts or portrayals. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, notably in news, books, and opinion pieces. To use "descriptions" effectively, focus on providing vivid and specific details tailored to your subject matter, while avoiding overly vague language. Consider alternatives such as "detailed accounts" or "portrayals" to add variety to your writing. By mastering these nuances, you can enhance clarity and engagement in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed accounts

Emphasizes the level of detail provided in the accounts.

accounts

A general term for reports or stories about events or experiences.

representations

Focuses on the way something is presented or depicted.

portrayals

Highlights the manner in which something or someone is depicted, often artistically.

depictions

Stresses the act of portraying or representing something.

characterizations

Specifically refers to the depiction of characters or individuals.

illustrations

Implies visual or descriptive examples that clarify something.

explanations

Focuses on clarifying the meaning or cause of something.

renderings

Focuses on the artistic or technical interpretation of something.

narratives

Highlights the storytelling aspect of conveying information.

FAQs

How can I use "descriptions" in a sentence?

You can use "descriptions" to refer to detailed accounts of something, for example: "The book is filled with vivid "descriptions" of the landscape".

What are some alternatives to using "descriptions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "detailed accounts", "representations", or "portrayals".

How detailed should my "descriptions" be?

The level of detail in your "descriptions" should depend on the purpose and audience. Aim for sufficient detail to create a clear and engaging picture without overwhelming the reader.

What makes a good "descriptions"?

A good "descriptions" should be vivid, precise, and tailored to the subject matter. It should engage the reader's senses and provide a clear understanding of what is being described.