descriptive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "descriptive of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something provides a description or characterization of another thing. Example: "The term 'sustainable' is descriptive of practices that do not deplete resources and are environmentally friendly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The notice is less descriptive of plans for the duplex.

The New York Times

Their names aren't descriptive of their style – no "Sepia", "Black and White" or "Crackly VHS" effects.

The Guardian - Tech

So, the camera is used to objectify a vision, which is descriptive of the character Maisie.

The New York Times

If neither statement was descriptive of Mr. Obama, a liberal Democrat, nor was there much hope for what followed.

The New York Times

Despite the detail of the criminal complaint, it may not be descriptive of how the investigation was carried out.

The Guardian - Tech

The observation is astute, descriptive of two pianists who may have more in common than one might think.

The New York Times - Arts

The statements they made for that campaign and their false confessions are vividly descriptive of their life.

The Guardian

Steamed lady fingers -- spicy shrimp dumplings -- were tasty, though their name was disconcertingly descriptive of their appearance.

The New York Times

It should be noted that there is another meaning for redskin descriptive of a variety of potato.

The New Yorker

"These results should not be descriptive of the U.S. population as a whole".

The New York Times

A surname could also be descriptive of a person's appearance (Little, Red) or his exploits (Armstrong).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "descriptive of", ensure that the subject being described is clearly identified and that the description provides specific and insightful information.

Common error

Avoid using "descriptive of" with overly general terms. Instead, strive for precise language that offers a clear and vivid portrayal of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descriptive of" functions as a prepositional adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating that it provides a description or characterization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "The name is descriptive of its function."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "descriptive of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, highlighting its versatility. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly identified and that the description provides specific and insightful details. Common alternatives include "characteristic of" and "indicative of". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "descriptive of" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic of

Emphasizes typical qualities or features, offering a slightly more direct synonym.

indicative of

Suggests that something serves as a sign or indication, shifting the focus to representation.

representative of

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

reflective of

Implies mirroring or showing something internally.

illustrative of

Focuses on providing an example or clarification, changing the emphasis to demonstration.

expressive of

Indicates the conveying of a feeling or thought, moving towards outward communication.

typical of

Highlights the common or usual nature of something.

suggestive of

Implies a hint or indirect indication, lessening the directness.

analogous to

Highlights similarity or comparability, altering the focus to resemblance.

reminiscent of

Highlights similarity or comparability in regards to recall from past, altering the focus to recall.

FAQs

How can I use "descriptive of" in a sentence?

Use "descriptive of" to show that something provides a description or characterization of something else. For example, "The term 'sustainable' is descriptive of practices that do not deplete resources."

What are some alternatives to "descriptive of"?

You can use alternatives like "characteristic of", "indicative of", or "representative of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "descriptive of" or "describing"?

The choice between "descriptive of" and "describing" depends on the sentence structure. "Describing" is a verb form, while "descriptive of" is a prepositional phrase that acts as an adjective. For example, "The essay is descriptive of the author's journey" versus "The essay is describing the author's journey."

How does "descriptive of" differ from "a description of"?

"Descriptive of" is an adjectival phrase that characterizes something, while "a description of" is a noun phrase referring to the actual description itself. For instance, "His account was descriptive of the events" versus "His account provided a description of the events".