matching the description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matching the description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that corresponds or aligns with a given description or criteria. Example: "The suspect was apprehended because he was matching the description provided by the witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"Porkey!" both young ones proclaimed when a woodchuck matching the description of the book's comic curmudgeon presented himself.

The New York Times

After the sitrep went out, some captains in the region radioed back sightings of a ship vaguely matching the description.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite extensive media coverage of the accident, police said they had received no missing-person reports matching the description of the man.

The New York Times

An officer spotted a car matching the description in a McDonald's parking lot, its engine running and one front wheel on a curb, the police said.

The New York Times

The police said officers recovered some of the victim's property as well as a devil mask matching the description of a mask used in one of the attacks.

The New York Times

Hours after the arrest, the authorities found two bodies matching the description of the missing woman, Lisa Underwood of Fort Worth, and her son, Jayden.

The New York Times

When officers arrived at the trailer park they found a vehicle matching the description of one involved in the earlier shooting, the authorities said.

The New York Times

The police said they found the body of a woman matching the description of Ms. Stewart floating just offshore on Saturday.

The New York Times

On July 4 , 2012 physicists working at CERN in Switzerland announced that they had discovered a particle matching the description of the Higgs boson.

The New York Times - Science

In the summer of 2001 a man matching the description of the 9/11 bomber Mohammed Atta tried to buy a crop-duster airplane in Florida.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matching the description", ensure that the subject being described has clearly defined characteristics that align with the description provided. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using vague or overly general descriptions. Ensure the characteristics are specific enough to differentiate the subject from others, otherwise, the phrase "matching the description" loses its precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matching the description" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that it corresponds to a set of characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts. For example, "a car matching the description" identifies a specific vehicle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "matching the description" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something corresponds to a set of characteristics. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is most frequently used in News & Media, with neutral register. Related phrases include "fitting the description" and "corresponding to the description". Ensure the description is specific to avoid ambiguity. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fitting the description

Emphasizes suitability or correspondence to a description, replacing "matching" with "fitting".

corresponding to the description

Uses "corresponding" to highlight a direct relationship or alignment with the description.

aligning with the description

Implies a more precise agreement, where the subject closely follows or mirrors the description.

in accordance with the description

Conveys adherence to a set of specifications, suggesting compliance with a detailed account.

consistent with the description

Highlights a coherence between the subject's attributes and the descriptive details provided.

answering to the description

Suggests that the subject fulfills the requirements or features outlined in the description.

reflective of the description

Indicates that the subject mirrors or embodies the characteristics presented in the description.

bearing out the description

Emphasizes that the subject validates or confirms the accuracy of the description.

in keeping with the description

Implies that the subject is consistent with the nature or spirit of the description.

resembling the description

Focuses on similarity in appearance or characteristics, suggesting a likeness between the subject and description.

FAQs

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

You can use "matching the description" to indicate that someone or something fits a set of characteristics. For example, "The police were looking for a vehicle "matching the description" provided by the witnesses".

What is a good alternative to "matching the description"?

Alternatives include "fitting the description", "corresponding to the description", or "aligning with the description". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "matching the description" or "matches the description"?

"Matching the description" is typically used as part of a longer verb phrase (e.g., "a car matching the description"), whereas "matches the description" is used when the subject directly performs the action (e.g., "the suspect's account matches the description").

What's the difference between "matching the description" and "resembling the description"?

"Matching the description" suggests a close correspondence to a defined set of criteria, while "resembling the description" implies a similarity or likeness that may not be exact.