i described that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I described that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something you have previously explained or detailed in conversation or writing. Example: "In my last email, I described that the project deadline has been moved up by two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"When I described that person, I realized I was describing Chris," she said.

The New York Times - Style

It's as simple as that". In a column I described that statement as an example of legal "reasoning" distorted by ideology.

The New York Times

I described that trip in a column, noting that hunters' rights and potential inconveniences are often mentioned by opponents to new restrictions on firearms.

The New York Times

But a few days after I described that experience in a column, I received e-mail from a reader: "Two things: 1. You'd do better on eBay if you bid at the last second (called sniping, I think).

The New York Times - Tech

I described that sequence for the 1930s in my May 25 column.

Forbes

That's kind of what I was thinking when I described that kind of hallucination.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

How shall I describe that day?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I describe that kind of detailed listening at length in "A Slender Thread" (a book I wanted to call "Squirrels and the Dark Night of the Soul," but the publisher balked).

The New York Times - Books

How can I describe that color created by Poseidon to stir asunder a body of water so unique?

Huffington Post

Because 'Romneycare' was the predecessor, the model, for 'Obamacare.' "Everything I describe that 'Obamacare' requires, 'Romneycare' requires.

The New York Times

In the song, I describe that she wants to get a beautifully decorated skirt along with gorgeous ornaments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I described that" when you want to refer back to something you've already explained in detail. This ensures clarity and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Common error

While useful, excessive use of "I described that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "I mentioned that" or "I explained that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I described that" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that the speaker has previously provided a detailed account or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I described that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used reporting clause that indicates a speaker has previously offered a detailed explanation or account. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It serves to refer back to established information, ensuring clarity in communication. While versatile across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news, academic and science domains. For maintaining writing engagement, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider using synonyms such as "I explained that" or "I mentioned that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i explained that

Replaces "described" with a more general term for conveying information.

i mentioned that

Indicates a brief reference rather than a detailed account.

i outlined that

Suggests a summary or overview was previously given.

i detailed that

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the previous explanation.

i recounted that

Implies a narrative or storytelling aspect to the previous description.

i related that

Similar to recounted, but can also imply a connection or relevance.

i communicated that

A more formal and broad way of saying information was conveyed.

i specified that

Highlights the precision and clarity of the previous statement.

i indicated that

Suggests a less direct or explicit form of communication.

i conveyed that

A more formal term for communicating information.

FAQs

How can I use "I described that" in a sentence?

You can use "I described that" to refer to something you previously explained. For example, "In my previous email, "I described that" the meeting was postponed."

What can I say instead of "I described that"?

Alternatives to "I described that" include "I explained that", "I mentioned that", or "I outlined that", depending on the level of detail you provided.

Is it correct to say "I described that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I described that". It's commonly used to refer back to a previous explanation or description.

What's the difference between "I described that" and "I mentioned that"?

"I described that" implies a more detailed explanation than "I mentioned that". Use "I described that" when you've provided a thorough account, and "I mentioned that" for a brief reference.