it describes like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it describes like" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a complete thought, making it difficult to use effectively in writing. Example: "The painting it describes like a serene landscape evokes a sense of peace."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You might not be an expert when it comes to language, but you probably know what onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it describes, like buzz or tick-tock.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bourke giggles, "I've never heard it described like that, but it kind of is".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It takes years for a theatre to build up this capability," Shalwitz admits, "but hearing it described like this, it makes you wonder how we manage to get anything good on our stages at all".

The Guardian

It describes the receptor-like tyrosine phosphatases and their role in T-cell activation (CD45) and synapse development.

Signal Transduction

It describes the wireless sources like Bluetooth, WLAN and Wi-FI, and war driving.

The IT Regulatory and Standards Compliance Handbook How to Survive Information Systems Audit and Assessments

For $25 per month, per location, TalkBin provided what it described as "like buying a data plan for customer feedback".

TechCrunch

It was described, like the Ardennais and the Trait du Nord, as a born plowhorse, with a neck naturally held so low that the nose almost touched the ground.

Wikipedia

Moreover, it's extremely painful, with some who have felt it describing it as like being kicked in the chest by a horse.

Science Magazine

Or, as the camp gyno describes it: "like Santa for your vagina".

Huffington Post

"When passionate love is described like this, it in some ways sounds like an addiction.

The Guardian

Described like this, it makes the chef sound questioning but focused.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it describes like" in formal writing. Replace it with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "it depicts it as" or "it portrays it as" for improved clarity and correctness.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "describe like" when intending to create a comparison. Ensure the verb "describe" is followed by "as" when making comparisons, or restructure the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it describes like" attempts to function as a descriptor, aiming to provide an image or comparison. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect. The intended function is to characterize or represent something in a certain way.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it describes like" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI underlines this, suggesting the phrase lacks clarity and proper structure. Although examples exist across various sources, including news, media, and science, it's advisable to opt for more grammatically sound alternatives such as "it depicts as", "it portrays as", or "it illustrates as". By doing so, you ensure your writing remains clear, precise, and appropriate for formal contexts. The infrequent occurrence and Ludwig's grammatical assessment point to avoiding "it describes like" in favor of more accepted expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depicts as

Replaces "describes like" with the more accurate verb "depicts", indicating a visual or symbolic representation.

it portrays as

Similar to "depicts as", "portrays as" suggests a representation with a particular interpretation or perspective.

it represents as

"Represents as" indicates that something stands for or symbolizes something else.

it illustrates as

Emphasizes the use of examples or visual aids to clarify or explain something.

it characterizes as

Focuses on the key qualities or traits used to describe something.

it defines as

Presents a formal explanation of the meaning or scope of something.

it explains like

Uses "explains" to indicate a clarification or detailed account, maintaining the "like" for comparison.

it interprets as

Highlights the subjective understanding or meaning assigned to something.

it presents as

Focuses on how something is shown or offered to an audience.

it renders as

Indicates a specific artistic or technical interpretation or transformation.

FAQs

What is wrong with the phrase "it describes like"?

The phrase "it describes like" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is to use "describe as" or to rephrase the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "it describes like", you can say "it describes it as" or use "it depicts as".

What can I say instead of "it describes like"?

You can use alternatives like "it portrays as", "it represents as", or "it illustrates as" depending on the context.

How to use "describe" and "like" correctly in a sentence?

When using "describe" and wanting to make a comparison, use "describe as". For example, "She described the experience as dreamlike". Alternatively, structure the sentence to use "like" separately: "She described the experience; it was like a dream".

Is "it describes like" ever correct?

In standard written English, "it describes like" is generally considered incorrect. While you might encounter it in informal speech, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives.