it was described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was described" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been described in the past. For example: "The painting was described as a masterpiece by the art critic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We used COMPASS as it was described in its documentation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It was described by John Gould for its collector, the remarkable Austrian natural historian Johann Natterer.

Cornell University

It was described as violent resistance.

The Economist

In colour, it was described as brown, grey, black, white.

The Guardian

On Twitter, it was described as bigoted and racist.

The Guardian

It was described by cyclists as confusing and poorly signed.

The Times

It was described by some as an assassination.

The Guardian

Do you?! (Laughs) That's how it was described to me.

The Guardian - Music

It wasn't like it was described in the papers".

The Guardian - Sport

It was described as a model piece of government machinery.

The Guardian

BOURQUE SIDELINED: First it was described as a bruised foot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was described", ensure that the context clearly indicates who provided the description. This adds credibility and clarifies the source of information.

Common error

Avoid using "it was described" without specifying who provided the description, as this can make the statement vague and less impactful. Always aim to provide context and clarity regarding the source of the description to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was described" functions as a passive voice construction. It is used to introduce a description or characterization of a subject, shifting the focus from the describer to the subject being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was described" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that helps to introduce a description or characterization of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. When using this phrase, be sure to provide clarity regarding the source of the description to enhance credibility and impact. Alternatives like "it was characterized" or "it was defined" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was characterized

Replaces 'described' with 'characterized', suggesting a focus on the qualities or nature of something.

it was defined

Substitutes 'described' with 'defined', implying a precise and formal explanation.

it was depicted

Uses 'depicted' instead of 'described', suggesting a visual representation or portrayal.

it was portrayed

Similar to 'depicted', but emphasizes the manner in which something was presented or shown.

it was referred to as

Emphasizes the act of naming or alluding to something by a specific term.

it was labeled

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific label or category to something.

it was explained

Indicates that something was clarified or made understandable through explanation.

it was mentioned

Suggests a brief or passing reference to something.

it was known as

Highlights the common or recognized name or description of something.

it was presented as

Implies a specific framing or interpretation of something during its presentation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was described" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was characterized", "it was defined", or "it was portrayed" depending on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "it was described" for informal writing?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases like "it was mentioned", "it was known as", or simply state what something is without explicitly saying it was described.

How do I use "it was described" in a sentence?

You can use "it was described" to introduce a description of something, such as "The artwork "it was described" as a vibrant and evocative representation of nature."

Is "it was described" passive voice?

Yes, ""it was described"" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would involve stating who did the describing, for example, "The critic described it as...".