match the description

USAGE SUMMARY

"Match the description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in any context when you want someone to compare an item to a description, such as: "Please match the description of the product with the correct item in the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"If the car doesn't match the description, I'll negotiate down the price".

The New York Times

Their size and texture seemed to match the description given of the Century macaroon.

The New York Times

The lawsuit also claims Colson did not match the description of the gunman attacking the police station.

The Washington Post

It also didn't matter that I didn't match the description of the person they were looking for — my neighbor described me as Hispanic when he called 911.

The Washington Post

At first, the cargo hold appeared to match the description on the manifest: 2,300 tons of loose yellow rocks called limonite, a kind of iron ore.

The Washington Post

If the cell lines match the description in the broadly worded Wisconsin patent, these experts say, their owners must obtain approval from the foundation before distributing them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He matched the description of Zarqawi.

The New Yorker

They watched a woman matching the description of their target leave the store and drive off.

The Washington Post

*A song matching the description of "Boogie, Oogie, Oogie" was last seen..

The New York Times

Mr. Smirnoff's account matched the description the intern provided the magazine's board.

The New York Times - Books

The vehicle matches the description of a car used in a gang-related shooting in August.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "match the description" in technical writing, ensure the description is unambiguous and includes measurable criteria to avoid subjective interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "match the description" when the description itself is poorly defined or lacks specific details. Always ensure the description provides clear, objective criteria for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match the description" functions as a predicate phrase, indicating that something corresponds or aligns with a given set of characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "match the description" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote correspondence between an item and its description. As Ludwig AI explains, its correctness allows for broad application across diverse settings. The phrase enjoys widespread usage, especially in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, it sees frequent use in professional or formal discourse too. When employing "match the description", be sure that descriptions are detailed and quantifiable to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "correspond to the details" or "align with the specifications" can add precision, but are very similar in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correspond to the details

This alternative focuses on the alignment of information provided, using "details" to specify the compared information.

agree with the characteristics

This alternative emphasizes the shared qualities or features between the described item and the existing description.

align with the specifications

Using "specifications" suggests a formal or technical context where precise requirements must be met.

be consistent with the narrative

"Narrative" highlights the descriptive aspect of the phrase, suitable for use in analyses of stories or situations.

fit the portrayal

"Portrayal" implies a representation or depiction, often used in artistic or narrative contexts.

tally with the outline

This option is appropriate when assessing whether something fulfills the basic requirements described in a plan.

coincide with the account

"Account" refers to a narrative or report, suggesting that the phrase is suitable when comparing descriptions in storytelling or reporting.

resemble the explanation

"Explanation" is used instead of description, implying a more detailed account.

conform to the image

This alternative is best used when referring to visual likeness.

accord with the representation

"Representation" suggests a formal or official depiction, useful in contexts requiring precision and accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "match the description" in a sentence?

You can use "match the description" to indicate that something corresponds to a set of details, for example: "The suspect apprehended by the police /s/matched+the+description/ given by the witness."

What does it mean when something "matches the description"?

When something "matches the description", it means that its features, qualities, or characteristics are consistent with the details provided in a given account or specification.

Which is the correct usage: "match the description" or "matches the description"?

The correct usage depends on the context. Use "match the description" when referring to a general ability or requirement. Use "matches the description" when referring to a specific instance, for example: "This car /s/matches+the+description/ of the stolen vehicle".

What can I say instead of "match the description"?

Alternatives include "correspond to the details", "align with the specifications", or "fit the portrayal depending on the specific context.