he is described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is described" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to how someone is characterized or portrayed in a text or conversation. Example: "In the novel, he is described as a brave and selfless hero who always puts others before himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is described as the sexiest candidate.

The Guardian

He is described as "able", and he is described as "nice".

The Guardian - Opinion

He is described as 'lazy, untidy, dismissive and unreliable'.

The Guardian

He is described as a somewhat quiet but personable man.

The New York Times

He is described by friends as a casual sports fan.

The New York Times - Sports

He is described at the moment as "a prime suspect".

The Guardian

He is described as a Tom Jones Engelbert Humperdinck clone.

The New Yorker

He is described by almost everyone who knows him as a Boy Scout.

The New York Times

He is described in the newspaper Dawn as the suicide bomber.

The New York Times

He laughs when he is described as coming from humble origins.

The Guardian

He is described by friends and associates as personable, unpretentious, and someone who likes to delegate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is described", ensure that the description is attributed to a specific source or group to maintain credibility. For instance, specify "he is described by critics as...".

Common error

Avoid using "he is described" without specifying who is doing the describing. This can make your writing sound vague and less authoritative. Always provide context or a source for the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is described" functions as a passive construction used to introduce a description or characterization of a male subject. As shown in Ludwig examples, this phrase often precedes adjectives or descriptive phrases that provide further detail about the individual in question. The grammatical correctness is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is described" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce a description or characterization of a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias and wikis, indicating its broad applicability. Alternatives such as "he is portrayed as" or "he is characterized as" can be used to add nuance. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide attribution to avoid vagueness. Overall, "he is described" is a versatile and reliable way to convey information about someone's qualities or attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is portrayed as

Focuses on the portrayal of someone, often in a narrative or artistic context.

he is characterized as

Highlights the key attributes or qualities used to define someone.

he is known as

Emphasizes the common perception or recognition of someone.

he is considered to be

Indicates a widely held belief or opinion about someone.

he is regarded as

Stresses the level of respect or esteem someone holds.

people describe him as

Shifts the focus to the act of describing by others.

he's depicted as

Similar to "portrayed", often used in artistic or narrative contexts.

he is represented as

Implies a formal or symbolic presentation of someone.

he is labeled as

Highlights a specific categorization or classification of someone.

he is referred to as

Focuses on the specific term or name used to identify someone.

FAQs

How can I use "he is described" in a sentence?

You can use "he is described" to introduce a characterization or portrayal of someone, for example: "In the novel, "he is described" as a complex and enigmatic figure".

What are some alternatives to "he is described"?

Alternatives include "he is portrayed", "he is characterized", or "he is known", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing someone?

While "he is described" uses passive voice, it's often appropriate when the source of the description is more important than the actor. However, using active voice, such as "critics describe him as..." can sometimes be more direct and engaging.

What is the difference between "he is described as" and "he is defined as"?

"He is described as" refers to a portrayal or characterization, while "he is defined as" implies a precise definition or classification. The choice depends on whether you're presenting an interpretation or a formal designation.