to describe

USAGE SUMMARY

"to describe" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a verb phrase that is used to indicate that someone is explaining or providing details about something. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing an object, event, or person. Example: Mary used vivid language to describe the beautiful sunset to her friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's complicated to describe.

The New York Times

It's hard to describe.

The New York Times

It's kind hard to describe.

The New York Times - Sports

He declined to describe them.

The New York Times

There's no movement to describe.

The New York Times

How to describe the place?

The New Yorker

How best to describe it?

Independent

You try to describe it.

The New Yorker

How to describe the texture?

The New York Times - Arts

It's really hard to describe.

The New York Times

How to describe that?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "to explain", "to illustrate", or "to detail" to avoid repetition and add depth to your writing.

Common error

Ensure your descriptions are specific and avoid generalities. Instead of saying "It was good", provide concrete details: "The meal was delicious, with a rich aroma and perfectly balanced flavors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to describe" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically introduces a clause that provides details or characteristics of a subject. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to describe" functions as an infinitive verb phrase used to introduce details about a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is register-neutral, it excels in providing detailed accounts and is supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. For alternatives, you can consider "to explain", "to illustrate", or "to detail" to add variety to your writing, while ensuring that your descriptions remain specific to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to explain

This alternative focuses on making something understandable, differing slightly from simply outlining details.

to detail

This option emphasizes providing comprehensive information, highlighting thoroughness rather than general portrayal.

to illustrate

This suggests clarifying through examples or visuals, adding a layer of demonstration beyond just verbal description.

to elucidate

This option means to make something clear or easy to understand, bringing clarity to a complex topic.

to portray

This implies representing something or someone in a particular way, often with artistic or subjective intent.

to define

This focuses on setting out the meaning or scope of something, offering a precise explanation.

to depict

Similar to 'to portray', but can imply a more objective representation.

to characterize

This involves identifying the distinct qualities or features of someone or something, highlighting specific attributes.

to outline

This suggests giving a summary or the main points of something, offering a concise overview.

to present

This focuses on showing or offering something for consideration, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to describe" in a sentence?

Use "to describe" to introduce details or characteristics about a subject. For example, "She used vibrant adjectives to describe the sunset."

What are some alternatives to "to describe"?

You can use alternatives such as "to explain", "to illustrate", or "to detail" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "to describe" or "describing"?

The choice between "to describe" and "describing" depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. Use "to describe" as an infinitive verb, and "describing" as a gerund or participle. For instance, "He used adjectives to describe the scene" versus "Describing the scene, he used vibrant adjectives."

What's the difference between "to describe" and "to explain"?

"To describe" focuses on providing details or characteristics, while "to explain" focuses on making something understandable or clear. You might describe a painting's colors, but explain its symbolism.