unless described otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unless described otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement or condition applies except in cases where a different description or specification is provided. Example: "The terms of the agreement are valid for one year, unless described otherwise in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

With the uncomplicated ease only a black writer can manage, everyone in the book is black unless described otherwise.

The Guardian - Books

All the flies used in this study were kept and tested at room temperature (21 22°C) unless described otherwise.

Plosone

Unless described otherwise, 1*105 Salmonella-infected cells were cultured with 5*104 CFSE-labeled T cells (CD8+ T cells alone or in 1∶1 ratio with CD4+ T cells) for 6 days to activate and expand Salmonella-specific T cells.

Plosone

Procedures and acquisition parameters were the same unless described otherwise.

eLife

All experiments were carried out in these NPCs unless described otherwise.

ACS Chemical Biology

Unless described otherwise, strains were constructed using standard single-step integration methods.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There's an unspoken rule in literature: Characters are white unless explicitly described otherwise.

Huffington Post

Coupled transcription/translation occurred for 3 hr at 27°C unless described as otherwise.

eLife

The bulk of analysis (unless otherwise described) presented was carried out in R [ 57] using custom scripts.

BMC Genomics

C. elegans strains were grown at 20° as described, unless otherwise indicated (Brenner 1974).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Immunization protocols for haemophilia B mice were performed as described unless otherwise stated [ 13].

Haemophilia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unless described otherwise" to establish a standard condition or procedure, but ensure the exceptions are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unless described otherwise" without providing specific details or references for the alternative descriptions, as this can create confusion and uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unless described otherwise" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement by introducing a condition under which it does not apply. As noted by Ludwig AI, it sets a default state, allowing for explicit exceptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unless described otherwise" serves as a valuable tool for setting conditions with potential exceptions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in scientific and formal contexts, it denotes a default status open to specific deviations. When using the phrase, clarity is paramount, urging writers to state exceptions clearly. Alternatives such as "unless otherwise specified" can be used depending on context. Ensure exceptions are clearly detailed to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless otherwise specified

Focuses on explicit alternative specifications being provided.

except when specified differently

Highlights the exception being a different specification.

save when detailed otherwise

Emphasizes a detailed alternative account.

except if another description applies

Directly states that another description can supersede the default.

apart from alternative descriptions

Indicates that other descriptions exist and take precedence.

barring contrary descriptions

Uses 'barring' to show exclusion of default under different descriptions.

unless a different account is given

Underscores that a different account alters the initial condition.

except where an alternative description is provided

Places emphasis on the provision of an alternative description.

outside of other stated descriptions

Highlights instances outside the stated descriptions.

except in cases described differently

Emphasizes a case-by-case exception.

FAQs

How can I use "unless described otherwise" in a sentence?

The phrase "unless described otherwise" is used to set a general condition that holds true except when a different description is explicitly provided. For example: "All experiments were performed at room temperature, unless described otherwise."

What's a good alternative to "unless described otherwise"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unless otherwise specified", "except when specified differently", or "except if another description applies", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "unless otherwise stated" or "unless described otherwise"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Unless otherwise stated" is generally used for rules or conditions, while "unless described otherwise" is more suitable when referring to characteristics or details. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "unless described otherwise" imply about the description?

It implies that a standard or default state exists, but that specific instances or situations may deviate from this standard. These deviations will be clearly outlined with alternative descriptions.