strictly describe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictly describe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide a detailed and precise account of something without any ambiguity or additional information. Example: "In your report, please strictly describe the methodology used in the experiment to ensure clarity and reproducibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Society and Policy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Second, data need not strictly describe health parameters to be used in DE.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Technically, this means that we should strictly describe explanation as an "antisymmetric" rather than as an asymmetric relation.

SEP

Although these papers do not strictly describe the results of arthroscopic treatment for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis, indirect evidence is given.

Acta Orthopaedica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So Mr. Haacke borrowed an idea from Bertolt Brecht: he designed a dedication in neon letters, using not the German word "Volk," which he said had connotations of strictly describing Germanic people, but the more inclusive word for "population," "Bevolkerung".

The New York Times

We, therefore, strictly described our study population not as 'multiply traumatized' but as 'traumatized' to avoid confusion.

Critical Care

Scientific data, strictly interpreted, describe the natural realm patterns and processes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Darwinism, strictly interpreted, describes a world that is random, haphazard and mostly unpredictable.

The New York Times

Depp might be top-billed as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates series, but he couldn't strictly be described as 'A-list' before the first instalment was released, and even in the sequels he is used sparingly; the promise of his next camp aside or foppish flounce helps us to survive the dogged attempts at acting by his co-stars Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley.

The Guardian - Film

The model developed here is strictly dynamical, describing the growth of two interacting populations (species), but it enables the inference of evolution by a couple of devices.

Plosone

The patients could not strictly be described as treatment resistant and so comparison with the initial phase patients in STAR-D may be appropriate.

BMC Psychiatry

It should be stressed, however, that these were observational studies and while we have made every effort to identify comparator populations, these could not strictly be described as controls.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strictly describe", ensure that the context requires a high degree of precision and leaves no room for ambiguity. This phrase is particularly effective in scientific, technical, or legal writing where accuracy is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly describe" in casual or informal writing. The formality of the phrase can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday conversation or less formal documents. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly explain" or "carefully describe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly describe" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a verb, indicating a specific manner of describing something. As Ludwig AI underlines, the adverb "strictly" modifies the verb "describe", emphasizing the need for precision and accuracy in the description.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Society and Policy

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strictly describe" is used to convey the need for precision and detail in descriptions. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this grammatically correct phrase is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts. While it isn't frequently used overall, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity. When writing, consider if the formality and precision of "strictly describe" aligns with your intended audience and the context of your writing. If not, consider alternatives like "accurately depict" or "explicitly detail".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely define

Changes the verb to "define", which implies setting exact limits, which can be more specific than a description.

accurately depict

Replaces "describe" with "depict", highlighting the accuracy of the representation.

clearly delineate

Uses "delineate" to emphasize the outlining of something with distinct clarity and precision.

explicitly detail

Substitutes "strictly" with "explicitly" for emphasis, making the level of detail clear.

thoroughly explain

Shifts the focus to providing a comprehensive explanation, rather than just a description.

specifically outline

Focuses on providing a structured overview with specific details.

rigorously present

Emphasizes the methodological strictness and precision in the presentation.

faithfully render

Suggests a high degree of accuracy and fidelity in the portrayal.

exhaustively catalogue

Focuses on creating a comprehensive list, implying every detail is accounted for.

meticulously portray

Highlights the care and attention to detail in creating a description.

FAQs

How can I use "strictly describe" in a sentence?

You can use "strictly describe" to emphasize the need for a precise and detailed account. For example, "The experiment's protocol must "strictly describe" each step to ensure reproducibility."

What does "strictly" mean in "strictly describe"?

In "strictly describe", "strictly" means "exactly" or "precisely". It emphasizes that the description should adhere closely to the facts without deviation or interpretation.

What can I say instead of "strictly describe"?

Alternatives to "strictly describe" include "precisely define", "accurately depict", or "explicitly detail". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "strictly describe" or "carefully describe" something?

Whether to use "strictly" or "carefully" depends on the context. "Strictly describe" emphasizes precision and adherence to facts, while "carefully describe" highlights thoroughness and attention to detail. Use "strictly" when accuracy is most important.