that aptly describes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that aptly describes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is a fitting or appropriate description of a subject or situation. Example: "The term 'resilient' is a word that aptly describes her ability to overcome challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In some ways, that aptly describes the exhibition.

HuffPost

That aptly describes Barry's account of his short, private conversation with Cho.

The Washington Post

In retrospect, that aptly describes the anthrax attacks that so far have recently left more than a dozen people sick and five dead.

The New York Times

Then we dipped down onto Tunnel Road, a name that aptly describes these green passageways lined with fat-leafed maples and tulip trees.

The New York Times - Travel

One historian has described the federal government's 1950s highway-building binge as a case study in interstate socialism - a phrase that aptly describes how the West was really won.

The New York Times - Books

/ A hurried state that aptly describes the blitz of Arctic-explorer outerwear, e.g., "Designers are in an adrenaline-charged rush to get men to buy polar"; [slang] an exhilarated feeling experienced upon taking a drug, as in, "What did they serve at the opening of the LSD safe house installation?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was a compliment that aptly described Mr. Kuderna's suave, moody, moving recital at the Cornelia Street Café.

The New York Times - Arts

Abuse (physical, emotional and sexual), economic exploitation (child labour), orphanhood, street life and institutionalisation are some of the conditions that aptly describe or serve as evidence to the vulnerable state of these children.

Unicef

The operative word in the Mike D'Antoni era is transition, and that aptly described everything about the preseason debut.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd go one step further in addressing the "identity pileup" that so aptly describes the tone of this entire Democratic campaign.

The New York Times

Martin Parr has told me that he objects to being called a "street photographer", or, at least he doesn't feel that it aptly describes him or his work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that aptly describes" to introduce a word, phrase, or concept that accurately and concisely encapsulates a specific subject or situation. It adds a sense of precision and appropriateness to your writing.

Common error

While "that aptly describes" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in highly formal writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "that accurately portrays" or "that fittingly characterizes" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "that aptly describes" is to introduce a relative clause that provides a fitting or appropriate description of a noun or situation. This phrase serves to highlight the accuracy or suitability of the description that follows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that aptly describes" is a useful tool for introducing accurate and fitting descriptions in writing. Ludwig's examples show it's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science and is considered grammatically correct. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse, especially in highly formal settings. Exploring synonyms like "that accurately portrays" or "that precisely defines" can enrich your writing style. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a reliable and effective choice for enhancing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that suitably characterizes

Replaces 'aptly describes' with 'suitably characterizes', implying a fitting representation.

that accurately portrays

Substitutes 'aptly describes' with 'accurately portrays', emphasizing precision in depiction.

that perfectly captures

Replaces 'aptly describes' with 'perfectly captures', highlighting the completeness of the description.

that precisely defines

Changes 'aptly describes' to 'precisely defines', focusing on the exactness of the definition.

that appropriately reflects

Uses 'appropriately reflects' instead of 'aptly describes', suggesting a suitable representation.

that is a fitting description of

Expands the phrase to 'that is a fitting description of', adding emphasis.

that offers a valid depiction of

Replaces the original phrase with 'that offers a valid depiction of', focusing on the legitimacy of the representation.

that serves as an accurate account of

Changes the phrase to 'that serves as an accurate account of', stressing the reliability of the description.

that provides an excellent illustration of

Substitutes 'aptly describes' with 'provides an excellent illustration of', highlighting the descriptive quality.

that effectively represents

Replaces 'aptly describes' with 'effectively represents', emphasizing how well it conveys meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "that aptly describes" in a sentence?

You can use "that aptly describes" to introduce a term or phrase that accurately summarizes something, for example: "The term 'resilient' is a word "that aptly describes" her ability to overcome challenges."

What are some alternatives to "that aptly describes"?

Some alternatives include "that accurately portrays", "that fittingly characterizes", or "that perfectly captures", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "that aptly describes" formal or informal?

"That aptly describes" falls into a neutral register, suitable for both academic and journalistic writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that precisely defines".

What makes "that aptly describes" effective in writing?

The phrase "that aptly describes" is effective because it introduces a concise and fitting descriptor, enhancing clarity and precision. It tells the reader that the following description is particularly suitable.