lend a description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lend a description" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. A more appropriate phrase would be "provide a description." Example: "Could you lend a description of the project so that everyone understands the goals?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In designing this profile, we paid particular attention to attributes which may lend a description of time, distribution, efficiency, and, ultimately, cost.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These lines lend a humanity to war that descriptions of guts and gore alone cannot.

The New York Times - Books

It was a boring Sunday night at my desk and I was excited to lend a hand to these guys and add a few descriptions myself, but I couldn't get their stupid microphone to work.

Vice

Can you lend a hand?

The New Yorker

Would Duenyas lend a hand?

The New Yorker

Lend a fellow duffer a hand.

The New York Times

Perhaps San Gennaro could lend a hand.

The Economist

Two images by masters lend a clue.

The New Yorker

Roberts wants to lend a helping hand.

Forbes

Lend a good ear.

Huffington Post

Lend a listening ear.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common phrases like "provide a description" or "give a description" for better clarity and acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "lend" in the context of descriptions. "Lend" typically implies a temporary offering or giving something that will be returned. Use verbs like "provide", "give", or "offer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lend a description" is intended to function as a verb phrase, where "lend" acts as a transitive verb, and "a description" is the direct object. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this usage is not standard in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lend a description" is considered grammatically incorrect and is not a standard expression in English. As Ludwig AI explains, it's better to use alternatives like "provide a description" or "give a description" to ensure clarity and correctness. The infrequent usage of "lend a description" across various contexts, including science, news, and business, suggests it's best to avoid this phrase in both formal and informal writing to maintain professionalism and avoid confusing your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a description

Replaces "lend" with a more standard verb for offering something, making the phrase more conventional.

give a description

Uses a simpler and more direct verb, making the phrase more accessible and common.

offer a description

Suggests a more formal or intentional provision of details.

furnish a description

Implies a more thorough and complete provision of details.

supply a description

Focuses on the act of providing the necessary details.

present a description

Emphasizes the act of formally introducing a set of details.

share a description

Suggests a collaborative or communicative aspect of providing details.

impart a description

Highlights the transmission of knowledge or understanding through the description.

recite a description

Implies a prepared or rehearsed delivery of details.

narrate a description

Focuses on the sequential telling of details as part of a story or account.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "lend a description"?

Instead of "lend a description", use phrases like "give a description" or "provide a description", which are more grammatically correct and commonly used.

Is "lend a description" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "lend a description" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The verb "lend" is typically used for physical objects or abstract concepts that are meant to be returned, not for providing descriptions.

When should I use "provide a description" instead of "lend a description"?

Always use "provide a description" because it's the correct and accepted way to express offering or giving details about something. "Lend a description" is not standard English.

What does "lend" usually mean?

"Lend" typically means to give something to someone for a period, expecting it to be returned. It is not appropriate to use "lend" when you mean to "give" or "provide" information.