fit the description

USAGE SUMMARY

"fit the description" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when talking about a person or object that matches a set of characteristics. For example, "The suspect fits the description given by witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those symptoms fit the description of smallpox.

The New York Times

"Sears does not fit the description".

The New York Times - Books

Jana does not fit the description.

The New York Times

He did not fit the description of yesterday's suspect.

The New York Times

But Berman said no one fit the description.

MIT Technology Review

"He fit the description to a 'T' ", Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

But he was the only one who fit the description".

The New York Times

"He did fit the description," Officer Martinez said.

The New York Times

The incident, they argued, did not fit the description.

The New York Times

Here, five Manhattan bars that fit the description.

The New York Times

— Does anyone you know fit the description of a "snowplow parent"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fit the description", ensure the description itself is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Vague descriptions can lead to misinterpretations or inaccurate matches.

Common error

Avoid using "fit the description" when a more precise term like "matches the criteria" or "corresponds exactly" would be more appropriate. "Fit the description" works best for general likeness, not for exact matches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fit the description" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something matches a given set of characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show it applied to people, objects, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fit the description" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that someone or something matches a set of characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "match the description" and "correspond to the description". When using this phrase, ensure the description itself is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

match the description

This alternative directly replaces "fit" with "match", maintaining the exact meaning and grammatical structure.

correspond to the description

"Correspond to" implies a slightly more formal and precise agreement with the details of the description.

align with the description

"Align with" suggests a broader agreement or compatibility with the characteristics outlined in the description.

answer to the description

"Answer to" implies fulfilling the requirements or expectations set by the description.

meet the criteria

This alternative shifts the focus to meeting specific criteria rather than matching a general description.

resemble the description

"Resemble" focuses on similarity in appearance or characteristics to the description.

conform to the description

"Conform to" emphasizes adherence to a standard or requirement set by the description.

be consistent with the description

This phrase suggests that something is in agreement or harmony with the description.

be in accordance with the description

Similar to "be consistent with", this phrase highlights agreement and compatibility with the specified details.

fulfill the requirements

This focuses on meeting necessary conditions, rather than a direct match to a description.

FAQs

How can I use "fit the description" in a sentence?

You can use "fit the description" to indicate that someone or something matches a set of characteristics. For example, "The suspect "fit the description" provided by the witness."

What are some alternatives to "fit the description"?

Alternatives include "match the description", "correspond to the description", or "align with the description", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fit the description" or "fits the description"?

"Fit the description" is used when referring to a plural subject or in past tense. "Fits the description" is used when referring to a singular, present-tense subject. For example, "They "fit the description"" versus "He "fits the description"."

What's the difference between "fit the description" and "meet the criteria"?

"Fit the description" generally refers to matching a set of characteristics or features, while "meet the criteria" implies fulfilling specific requirements or standards. The former is broader, the latter more precise.