the article describes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the article describes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when summarizing or referencing the content of an article, particularly when discussing its main points or findings. Example: "In the research paper, the article describes the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The article describes him as "heartbroken".

The Guardian - Opinion

The article describes a compressor problem.

Procedia Engineering

The article describes three possible polychromator setups.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The article describes the complexity of the situation.

The Guardian

SCOTT SHANE The article describes basic Soviet N.K.V.D. (later K.G.B).

The New York Times

Newspaper listings there show exactly what the article describes.

The New York Times

The article describes three potential solutions for addressing these biases.

Columbia University

The article describes the issues of resistance hydrophobised ceramic bricks.

Construction and Building Materials

The article describes the method selected for particular measuring.

Measurement

The article describes a possible solution to face this challenge.

Procedia Technology

The article describes the methodology and consecutive sequence of calculation.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, choose "the article describes" over more interpretive verbs like "argues" or "suggests" to maintain neutrality.

Common error

Avoid using "the article describes" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Opt for synonyms like "the article details", "the article outlines", or "the article presents" to vary your language and keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the article describes" functions as an introductory phrase, typically used to introduce a summary, explanation, or analysis of an article's content. It serves to signal to the reader what the article is about, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the article describes" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the content of an article across diverse fields. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as an introductory phrase, primarily to inform the reader of the article's subject matter, and maintains a neutral register suitable for both academic and general contexts. Common alternatives include "the article outlines", "the article details", and "the article explains", each offering subtle variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid overuse and strive for varied sentence structures to enhance your writing's clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the article outlines

Emphasizes a structured overview rather than detailed content.

the article details

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough account.

the article explains

Focuses on clarifying or elucidating a particular subject.

the article discusses

Highlights a debate or consideration of different aspects.

the article presents

Indicates the introduction or showcasing of information.

the article covers

Implies a range of topics are addressed within the article.

the article analyzes

Highlights a critical evaluation of the topic.

the article examines

Suggests a close inspection or investigation of the topic.

the article explores

Implies an investigative approach to the topic.

the article elucidates

Signifies clarifying something complex or ambiguous.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "the article describes"?

You can use alternatives like "the article outlines", "the article details", or "the article explains" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the article describes" in academic writing?

Yes, "the article describes" is suitable for academic writing. It's a neutral and objective way to introduce a summary or reference to the content of a scholarly article.

How can I make my writing more engaging than just saying "the article describes"?

To make your writing more engaging, consider using verbs that reflect the specific action the article is performing, such as "the article argues", "the article analyzes", or "the article investigates".

What is the difference between saying "the article describes" and "the author describes"?

Saying "the article describes" focuses on the content of the article itself, while "the author describes" emphasizes the author's perspective or contribution. Choose the option that best reflects your intended focus.