that describes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that describes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific part of a text or statement that provides details or characteristics about a subject. Example: "The report includes a section that describes the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That describes everything".

The Guardian

I don't think that describes America".

The New York Times

Surely that describes Cowell, too.

The Guardian

But that describes Ms. Finley's own attitude.

The New York Times

Generate HTML code that describes a model.

University of California, Berkeley

metadata Data that describes other data.

Stanford University

The restaurant has a cheese menu that describes 16 cheeses.

The New York Times

In the end, it is data that describes something.

The Guardian

Here's a paper (PDF) that describes the work.

MIT Technology Review

And that describes a wine tasting.

BBC

Is there transparency that describes this trust?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that describes" to clearly connect a preceding noun or concept to a subsequent description, ensuring the relationship is immediately evident to the reader.

Common error

While "that describes" is grammatically sound, avoid using it repetitively in simple sentence structures. Opt for stronger verbs or more concise phrasing to avoid monotony and enhance the overall impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that describes" functions as a relative clause marker, introducing a clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. This construction helps to specify or elaborate on the preceding noun by providing descriptive information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that describes" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces a relative clause providing descriptive information about a preceding noun or concept. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable and correct. It is used across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, making it a versatile tool for writers. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of overuse and aim for concise phrasing when possible. Alternatives such as "which characterizes" or "that defines" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Therefore, it is important to consider your aim when using "that describes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which characterizes

Replaces 'that describes' with a more formal term, emphasizing the identification of distinct traits.

that defines

Focuses on providing a clear and precise boundary or meaning, differing slightly from general description.

which illustrates

Highlights the way something exemplifies or clarifies a concept.

that identifies

Emphasizes the act of pinpointing or recognizing a specific attribute or feature.

that explains

Shifts focus to clarifying understanding rather than merely portraying features.

that portrays

Highlights the act of depicting or representing something in a specific way.

that signifies

Suggests something serves as a symbol or indication, rather than a comprehensive description.

that denotes

Implies a formal designation or explicit meaning, distinguishing it from subjective description.

that captures

Indicates the essence of something is being accurately represented.

which embodies

Highlights how something is a tangible representation of an abstract concept.

FAQs

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

The phrase "that describes" is used to introduce a clause providing details or characteristics about a subject mentioned earlier in the sentence. For example, "The report includes a section "that describes" the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

What are some alternatives to "that describes"?

You can use alternatives such as "which outlines", "that details", or "that characterizes" depending on the context. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance in how the description is presented.

Is there a difference between "that describes" and "which describes"?

In many contexts, "that describes" and "which describes" are interchangeable. However, "that" is typically used in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adds extra information). In practice, this distinction is often blurred.

When is it best to use "that describes" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "that describes" is suitable when you need to clearly and directly link a concept or term to its definition or key attributes. It is useful for providing concise and unambiguous explanations within research papers, essays, or reports.