descriptive language

USAGE SUMMARY

"descriptive language" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something with words that evoke feeling and create vivid mental images, often by comparing it to something else. For example, "The hawk glided through the sky with wings of ebony, like a graceful angel sent from the heavens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the other hand, software components were developed utilizing the XML structure for system description files, gathering features like a flowchart descriptive language and a graphic user-interface.

Journal of Systems Architecture

"It's such a descriptive language".

The New York Times

(The descriptive language can tend toward early Lenin).

The New York Times

Oliver's adroit use of descriptive language permeates the narration.

The New York Times - Books

In 1999 our reviewer, Bill Sharp, admired the novel's "highly visual, descriptive language".

The New York Times - Books

Rather, the descriptive language used in defining this split reveals its depth.

The New York Times

The 20th century, it appeared, had finally revealed its ideal descriptive language.

The New York Times - Magazine

Judges praised the book's "descriptive language that is unparalleled in modern literature".

The Guardian - Books

She was vibrant, clinically astute and insisted on simple descriptive language rather than psychiatric jargon.

The New York Times

Encourage students to use Mr. Wollman's piece as an example for style, tone, and descriptive language.

The New York Times

Descriptive language was very evident that day, with insects being a particular focus of attention.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impactful writing, prioritize using precise nouns and strong verbs within your "descriptive language" to paint a clear picture for your reader. For example, instead of saying "the dog ran," try "the husky sprinted."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on adjectives when using "descriptive language". Instead of stringing multiple adjectives together, focus on crafting sentences with strong verbs and nouns that convey the desired meaning more effectively. For instance, instead of "the very big, old, and scary house," try "the mansion loomed." Stronger verbs and nouns can eliminate need for adjectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descriptive language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "descriptive" modifies the noun "language". Ludwig confirms its use to categorize and define different styles or approaches to writing and communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "descriptive language" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to language that provides vivid details and creates a clear picture for the reader or listener. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of conveying specific characteristics and impressions. While usable in most contexts, it is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business domains. When employing "descriptive language", focus on using precise nouns and strong verbs, and avoid over-reliance on adjectives. By understanding its nuances and applying best practices, writers can effectively harness the power of "descriptive language" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vivid language

Emphasizes the clarity and vibrancy of the language used.

figurative language

Focuses on the use of figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes.

expressive language

Highlights the language's ability to convey emotions and feelings effectively.

colorful language

Suggests a rich and vibrant style of writing or speech.

graphic language

Stresses the language's ability to create clear and detailed mental images.

detailed language

Focuses on the thoroughness and precision of the descriptions.

imagery-rich language

Highlights the abundance of imagery and sensory details in the language.

evocative language

Emphasizes the language's power to evoke emotions and memories.

sensory language

Focuses on language that appeals to the five senses.

illustrative language

Stresses the language's ability to provide examples and explanations.

FAQs

How do I effectively incorporate "descriptive language" into my writing?

Focus on appealing to the five senses and using vivid verbs and nouns. Instead of simply stating facts, show the reader what you mean through sensory details.

What are some alternatives to using "descriptive language" to enhance my writing?

Consider using "vivid language", "figurative language", or "expressive language" to create a more engaging and impactful experience for the reader.

How does "descriptive language" differ from narrative language?

"Descriptive language" focuses on sensory details and imagery to paint a picture, while narrative language tells a story or recounts events. While they can overlap, the primary purpose of each differs.

What is the role of "descriptive language" in academic writing?

While academic writing often prioritizes clarity and precision, "descriptive language" can still be used effectively to explain complex concepts, illustrate findings, or provide context to research. The key is to use it judiciously and ensure it enhances understanding rather than detracting from it.