so described

USAGE SUMMARY

"so described" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a description previously given or referenced. For example: The character was so described in the story as possessing immense strength and great courage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Hubbard's piece might be so described.

The New York Times - Arts

"Chicken pot-pie without crust is stew and should be so described on a menu.

The Guardian - Books

Words like "undocumented" ignore the fact that the people so described have broken the law.

The New York Times

The character of American business and politics is often so described.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For years now he has been having his cake and eating it, if a jockey can ever be so described.

The Guardian - Sport

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the founding of the ghetto, the first community anywhere to be so described.

The Guardian - Travel

Because the field of study was a part of philosophy, it did not have to be explicitly so described.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We do call waterboarding torture in some instances, he says, citing a case in Surrey where a pensioner was so abused and the practice was so described.

The Guardian

Music aside, the fervent emotions of "Breaking the Waves," not to say its kitschy melodrama (he's so described it), have been called operatic.

The New York Times

Kenny goes on to appraise the dilemma with admirable clarity:> I have argued in several places that there cannot be any such thing as the God so described.

The New Yorker

Let us take this sales pitch – as it is so described – at face value (but not with an entirely straight face).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so described", ensure the earlier description is unambiguous and leaves no room for misinterpretation. This maintains clarity and prevents reader confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "so described" if the original description is unclear or too far removed from the current sentence. Readers may struggle to recall the specific details, leading to confusion and weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so described" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating that something is being referred to in accordance with a prior description. Ludwig provides examples showing this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so described" serves as a concise and effective way to reference previous descriptions within a text. It functions as an adverbial phrase, improving cohesion and preventing redundancy. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically sound and frequently appears across various sources, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the referenced description remains clear and easily accessible to your readers to prevent ambiguity. Remember to avoid vagueness and use "so described" to enhance clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as characterized

Highlights the act of characterizing something, emphasizing its qualities or attributes.

according to the description

Highlights that the information is based on a specific description.

as previously mentioned

Focuses on the act of mentioning something before, rather than the descriptive aspect.

as specified earlier

Emphasizes that something was specified or detailed at an earlier point.

as aforementioned

A more formal synonym for "as previously mentioned", suitable for academic or legal writing.

as defined above

Specifically refers to a definition provided earlier in the text.

in the terms outlined

Focuses on the specific terms or conditions that were previously outlined.

by that definition

Links back to a specific definition that was previously provided.

in the manner stated

Emphasizes the way something was described or explained previously.

in that vein

Implies similarity or consistency with a previously mentioned idea or theme.

FAQs

How can I use "so described" in a sentence?

Use "so described" to refer back to a previous description. For example, "The experiment was meticulously planned, and the results, "so described", exceeded all expectations."

What is a good alternative to "so described"?

Alternatives include "as previously mentioned", "as defined above", or "as characterized", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "so described" and "as described"?

"So described" often implies a stronger connection to a specific, previously stated description. "As described" is a more general reference to a description, but lacks some level of specificity compared to "so described".

When is it inappropriate to use "so described"?

Avoid using "so described" when the previous description is vague, unclear, or too distant in the text. Ensure the reference is easily understandable for the reader; otherwise, rephrase the sentence.