matched the description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matched the description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something corresponds to a specific set of characteristics or details provided earlier. Example: "The suspect matched the description given by the witnesses, which helped the police in their investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He matched the description of Zarqawi.

The New Yorker

Wallace matched the description of a man who had asked directions to Marshall's house that day.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Books

They had found a woman with a gunshot wound to her arm who matched the description of his missing sister.

The Guardian

The suspect vessel matched the description of a pirate vessel issued by international anti-piracy authorities, Commander Sinha said.

The New York Times

Mr. Jones, 42, matched the description of the attacker and was caught just blocks from where the assault occurred.

The New York Times

That tip led police to check Farook's name, which led to the discovery that he had rented an SUV that matched the description of the getaway car.

The Washington Post

Now, don't get me wrong: If indeed my son matched the description of a suspect, I would have had no problem with him being questioned appropriately.

The New York Times

It's unclear whether Williams matched the description of the carjacker, whether he confronted the officers or whether the officers told him to drop his weapon.

The Washington Post

On the night of Antwon's death, Rosfeld stopped a car that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a shooting.

The New Yorker

"But the only building that matched the description didn't seem to fit at all, as it had no balcony," said Hoffmann.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matched the description" to clearly indicate that an item, person, or vehicle aligns with a previously provided set of characteristics. This is particularly useful in investigative or descriptive contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "corresponded to" or "aligned with" for a more sophisticated tone when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matched the description" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something possesses the characteristics previously outlined. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matched the description" is a widely used phrase indicating a correspondence between a subject and a set of described characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and versatile. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to identify or confirm, maintaining a neutral register. While generally correct, consider context and formality when choosing alternatives for more nuanced writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fit the description

Replaces "matched" with "fit", emphasizing suitability.

corresponded to the description

Uses "corresponded" to highlight a detailed agreement with the characteristics provided.

aligned with the description

Emphasizes alignment and agreement with the specified details.

agreed with the description

Highlights the agreement of details, often used when comparing information from different sources.

answered to the description

Suggests that the subject met the requirements of the description.

was consistent with the description

Focuses on the consistency of characteristics with the provided details.

bore a resemblance to the description

Implies a similarity, though not necessarily a perfect match.

reflected the description

Highlights how the subject mirrors the traits outlined in the description.

conformed to the description

Indicates compliance with the specifications of the description.

answered the description

Suggests fulfilling the requirements or characteristics detailed in the description.

FAQs

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

You can use "matched the description" to indicate that someone or something fits a previously given set of characteristics, as in "The suspect "matched the description" provided by the witness".

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

Alternatives include "fit the description", "corresponded to the description", or "aligned with the description", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "matched the description" or "fits the description"?

Both ""matched the description"" and "fits the description" are grammatically correct, but "matched" implies a past event, while "fits" suggests a present or ongoing state.

What's the difference between "matched the description" and "resembled the description"?

"Matched the description" indicates a direct and accurate correspondence, whereas "resembled the description" implies a similarity but not necessarily a perfect fit.