it describes itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it describes itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that provides a clear explanation or definition of itself, often in a self-referential context. Example: "The term 'autobiography' is fitting because it describes itself as a written account of one's own life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has changed how it describes itself on its submissions page.

The New York Times

It describes itself on its website as "public-interest law and policy" group with a simple mission: "Everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law".

The Guardian

In its 2014 annual report it describes itself as "one of the world's largest investors in submarine cables that reach more than 100 countries".

TechCrunch

It describes itself on its very respectable corporate website as "a global industry-leading information technology firm" with headquarters in Luxembourg - but on a blog it also trumpets the fact that is "the world's biggest porn site".

BBC

It describes itself as nonpartisan, and its scholars have at times been critical of both parties.

The New Yorker

It describes itself as a "bistro à vin" – its name standing testament to its policy of listing only 10 whites and 10 reds (plus a couple of champagnes and a rosé) and buying only 10 cases of each wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It describes itself at the "official" Big Brother newspaper, and its stories and pictures of the inmates tend to the pornographic.

The Guardian

It describes itself as an inclusive, democratic, Euro-realist, party on its website.

BBC

It describes itself as "the world's first counter-extremism thinktank".

The Guardian

It describes itself now as an independent left-wing publication.

The New York Times

It describes itself as "the national company for contemporary dance".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it describes itself" when you want to emphasize that something is providing its own explanation or definition. It's particularly useful when discussing organizations, products, or concepts that have a self-defined identity.

Common error

While "it describes itself" is widely accepted, overuse in highly formal writing can make the text sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "it defines itself" or "it characterizes itself" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it describes itself" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a subject is providing its own description or definition. Ludwig confirms this is grammatically correct and usable in English. This phrase often introduces information about how an entity perceives or presents itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it describes itself" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that introduces a subject's own description or definition. As supported by Ludwig, it's prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, consider using synonyms like "it defines itself" or "it characterizes itself" in formal contexts to avoid repetition. When writing, remember that "it describes itself" emphasizes the subject's self-perception and portrayal. Ludwig provides numerous examples of how to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it defines itself

Focuses on the act of establishing its own meaning or boundaries.

it characterizes itself

Emphasizes the key traits or qualities it attributes to itself.

it identifies as

Highlights its chosen identity or affiliation.

it presents itself as

Focuses on the image or persona it projects.

it portrays itself as

Similar to 'presents itself as', but often implies a deliberate crafting of an image.

it represents itself as

Highlights how it showcases or symbolizes its nature.

it brands itself

Emphasizes a marketing or identity-building aspect.

it claims to be

Focuses on an assertion it makes about its nature or identity, which may or may not be accurate.

it understands itself as

Explores its self-perception or internal understanding.

it sees itself as

Reflects its subjective view of its own nature or role.

FAQs

What does "it describes itself" mean?

The phrase "it describes itself" means that something is providing its own explanation or definition of its characteristics, purpose, or identity.

What are some alternatives to "it describes itself"?

You can use alternatives like "it defines itself", "it characterizes itself", or "it identifies as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "it describes itself" in a sentence?

For example: "The company is relatively new, formed in 2014, and it describes itself as a 'hybrid' peer-to-peer plus direct market access company."

Is "it describes itself" formal or informal?

The phrase "it describes itself" is suitable for a range of contexts, from neutral reporting to more formal analysis. However, it's useful to consider synonyms to avoid repetition.