gave a description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave a description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of providing details or information about something or someone in the past. Example: "During the meeting, she gave a description of the new project and its objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The essay also gave a description of his financial status that was not properly confirmed.

The New York Times

He added that Jeff gave a description to the F.B.I. "while still in intensive care".

The New Yorker

About 20 minutes later they were approached by Pritchard's sister who gave a description matching his.

The Guardian

The posters gave a description of the two suspects and an account of the crime.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In November, Jason called 911 to report a man with a knife and then gave a description of himself.

The Washington Post

Olsen confirmed the details of what he'd seen and gave a description: European appearance, in his 30s, about 1.80m tall.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Gives a description of the pair.

The New Yorker

Background gives a description of the rationale for the study.

Stanford University

Gives a description of polio and the way it is communicated.

The New Yorker

"I'm sure he could give a description of how he's been damaged".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was asked to come through the police tape and to give a description of Mark.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave a description", ensure that the description is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Provide enough detail for the audience to understand the subject being described.

Common error

Avoid providing overly vague descriptions when using "gave a description". Ensure the details are sufficient for the audience to form a clear mental image or understanding. Be specific and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave a description" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of providing details or information about a subject. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from describing suspects to outlining plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave a description" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that communicates the act of providing details about something or someone. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "provided an account" or "detailed the features" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in your description to avoid vagueness and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

described the situation

Highlights providing details about a particular state of affairs.

provided an account

Focuses on the act of providing a detailed report or narrative.

offered details

Emphasizes the provision of specific pieces of information.

detailed the features

Highlights the act of elaborating on specific characteristics.

related the specifics

Focuses on narrating particular points or aspects.

presented the information

Emphasizes the act of formally conveying data.

outlined the characteristics

Highlights the act of presenting a summary of qualities.

narrated the events

Focuses on recounting a series of occurrences.

specified the attributes

Emphasizes the act of identifying and detailing qualities.

recounted the facts

Focuses on retelling verifiable pieces of information.

FAQs

How can I use "gave a description" in a sentence?

You can use "gave a description" to indicate that someone provided details or information about something. For example, "The witness "gave a description" of the suspect to the police".

What are some alternatives to "gave a description"?

Alternatives include "provided an account", "offered details", or "detailed the features", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gave a description about" something?

While not grammatically incorrect, it's more concise and common to say "gave a description of" something. The preposition "of" is typically preferred in this context.

What's the difference between "gave a description" and "provided a description"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that someone offered details about something. "Provided a description" might sound slightly more formal than "gave a description", but the difference is minimal.