of all descriptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of all descriptions" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to mean "of every kind or type". You can use it in various contexts, such as when describing a group of people or objects, or when discussing a variety of different qualities or characteristics. Example: "The store offers clothes of all descriptions, from casual wear to formal attire." Here, the phrase "of all descriptions" is used to indicate that the store has a wide range of different types of clothing. Another example: "He was known to be a collector of books of all descriptions, from ancient manuscripts to modern novels." In this sentence, "of all descriptions" is used to convey that the person collected books of different types and genres.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This at first consisted mainly of pictures of all descriptions.

The Guardian

Their victims include innocent beings of all descriptions.

The New York Times

We've spent on everything -- clothing, electronic gadgets, travel, entertainment, services of all descriptions.

The New York Times

Carpets of all descriptions line the walls and floors of the booths.

The New York Times - Arts

The New Forest is a delight for foodies of all descriptions.

The Guardian - Travel

I could see people of all descriptions: famous scientists, young students, families with small children.

The Guardian

Monsters who want to go on rampages will be able to find firearms of all descriptions.

The New York Times

A true postmodern view -- accepting human character as unstable and various -- accommodates shifts and modulations of all descriptions.

The New York Times - Books

In midsummer Bermuda shorts of all descriptions troop down Main Street to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The New York Times - Arts

Top leaders have no electricity or phones in their offices, while the streets bristle with armed men of all descriptions.

The New York Times

The Kaczynskis sneered, with some justice, at his communist past, glitzy lifestyle and chummy ties with businessmen of all descriptions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of all descriptions" to emphasize the comprehensive variety or types within a category. It is more impactful when the range is surprisingly diverse.

Common error

Avoid using "of all descriptions" when the surrounding text already implies variety. For instance, instead of saying "a wide variety of items of all descriptions", simply use "a wide variety of items" to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of all descriptions" functions as a post-modifier to a noun, specifying that the noun encompasses a wide and diverse range of types or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms that is usually correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate it modifying nouns like "pictures", "people", and "firearms".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of all descriptions" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the diversity and comprehensiveness of a set or category. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and explains that it suggests that virtually every possibility is included. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, and while suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral tone. Writers should be mindful of redundancy, avoiding its use when variety is already implied. Related phrases, such as "of every kind" and "of all types", provide simpler alternatives without sacrificing meaning. Remember to use "of all descriptions" to create a vivid image of the scale or range of a group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of every kind

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary while retaining the core meaning of encompassing all types.

of every variety

Swaps "descriptions" for "variety", emphasizing the range of different types.

of all types

Replaces "descriptions" with "types", providing a more direct and common synonym.

in all shapes and sizes

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of variety, particularly in physical attributes.

of diverse nature

Formal phrasing that focuses on the varied characteristics of something.

of various sorts

Uses "sorts" as a synonym for "descriptions", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

of a wide range

Focuses on the breadth of options or items available.

encompassing all forms

More formal and emphasizes the inclusion of every possible form.

across the board

A more idiomatic expression indicating that something applies to everything without exception.

without exception

Highlights that every single item is included and is the simplest way to convey an all-encompassing approach.

FAQs

How can I use "of all descriptions" in a sentence?

Use "of all descriptions" to indicate that something includes a wide variety of types or kinds. For example, "The museum displays artifacts "of all descriptions", from ancient pottery to modern art."

What phrases are similar to "of all descriptions"?

Similar phrases include "of every kind", "of every variety", and "of all types". These alternatives also emphasize a wide range or diversity.

Is it redundant to use "variety of" and "of all descriptions" together?

Yes, using both "variety of" and "of all descriptions" together can be redundant. Choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition. For example, say "a variety of items" or "items "of all descriptions"", but not "a variety of items of all descriptions".

Can "of all descriptions" be used to describe people?

Yes, "of all descriptions" can be used to describe people, especially when emphasizing the diversity of a group. For example, "The event attracted participants "of all descriptions", representing various ages, backgrounds, and professions."