often described as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "often described as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a term or concept that is commonly referred to in a certain way by others. Example: "The phenomenon is often described as a breakthrough in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're often described as "epic".

The New Yorker

Their relationship is often described as "umbilical".

The New Yorker

It is often described as frontier country.

Independent

CITIES are often described as being alive.

The Economist

Jobs is often described as an innovator.

The New Yorker

This policy is often described as "Russification".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I'm often described as 'outspoken'.

The Guardian - Money

You're often described as "exotic".

The Guardian

Mr. Campbell was often described as resembling Liberace.

The New York Times - Arts

You're often described as Paul Morley's sister.

The Guardian - Film

Gerbase's work is often described as androgynous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "often described as" when you want to indicate that a particular description is commonly used, but not necessarily universally accepted or definitively true. This acknowledges a common viewpoint without endorsing it as fact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "often described as" in your writing, as it can lead to a passive and impersonal tone. Vary your sentence structure by directly stating the characteristics of the subject or using active voice constructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often described as" functions as an attributive expression, introducing a characterization or attribute frequently associated with a subject. As Ludwig AI data suggests, it presents a common perception without necessarily endorsing it as a definitive truth. It connects a subject with a description widely used but potentially debatable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "often described as" serves as a valuable linguistic tool for attributing common characteristics or perceptions to a subject, without necessarily confirming their absolute truth. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase enjoys widespread usage across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "often described as", consider the context and intended nuance, and be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives like "commonly known as" or "frequently referred to as" can provide variety and precision. By mastering its usage, writers can effectively convey common viewpoints while maintaining clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently referred to as

Emphasizes the high frequency of the description's use.

commonly known as

Highlights the widespread knowledge of the description.

generally regarded as

Focuses on the overall opinion or assessment of a subject.

widely recognized as

Stresses the broad acceptance or acknowledgment of the description.

typically characterized as

Highlights the typical or representative features of the subject.

usually identified as

Focuses on the standard or routine identification of a subject.

often considered to be

Indicates that the description is a common viewpoint.

largely perceived as

Stresses the broad perception or impression of a subject.

described by many as

Emphasizes that the description is attributed by a large group of people.

easy to describe as

Highlights the effortless or straightforward nature of the description.

FAQs

How can I use "often described as" in a sentence?

You can use "often described as" to introduce a common, but not necessarily definitive, characteristic of a subject. For instance, "The city is "often described as" a melting pot of cultures".

What are some alternatives to "often described as"?

Alternatives include "commonly known as", "frequently referred to as", or "generally regarded as", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "often described as" or a more direct description?

Using "often described as" can be useful when presenting a common perception without fully endorsing it. A more direct description is preferable when you want to assert a characteristic as a fact. The choice depends on the purpose and tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "often described as" and "always described as"?

"Often described as" indicates a common but not universal description, while "always described as" suggests that the description is consistently and universally applied. The choice depends on the accuracy of the description and the extent of its use.