was described as

USAGE SUMMARY

"was described as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone or something is summarized or characterized by another. For example, "The ancient city was described as a place of peace and tranquility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The color was described as lavender.

The New York Times

Domestic politics was described as the cause.

The New York Times

He was described as surfing's Bill Gates.

The New Yorker

He was described as groggy but compliant.

The New York Times

Another member was described as "very ugly".

The New York Times - Tech

Economic activity elsewhere was described as modest.

The New York Times

He was described as seriously injured.

The New York Times

Downtown Manhattan was described as "depleted".

The New York Times

One percent was described as "other".

The New York Times

It was described as violent resistance.

The Economist

He was described as "jovial".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was described as", ensure that the source of the description is clear, either through direct attribution or contextual cues. This enhances credibility and provides readers with a basis for evaluating the description.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "was described as" in your writing. While appropriate in some contexts, overuse can lead to a lack of clarity and dynamism. Consider active alternatives when possible for more direct and engaging prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was described as" functions as a reporting verb in the passive voice, introducing a characterization, summary, or attribute assigned to a subject by an external source. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a valid and useful phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was described as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce descriptions or characterizations from external sources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki, underscores its utility in both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, remember to ensure clarity by indicating the source of the description and considering active voice alternatives for a more engaging style. By understanding its purpose and register, writers can effectively leverage "was described as" to provide valuable insights and context to their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was characterized as

Emphasizes the defining characteristics attributed to something.

was portrayed as

Focuses on the depiction or representation of something, often in a narrative context.

was referred to as

Highlights the specific term or label used to identify something.

was known as

Indicates a common or recognized name or title for something.

was labeled as

Suggests a formal or official classification or designation.

was identified as

Implies a process of recognition or discovery.

was defined as

Focuses on a precise or technical explanation of something.

was considered to be

Expresses a general opinion or belief about something.

was regarded as

Similar to 'considered to be' but suggests a more formal or respectful assessment.

was deemed to be

Implies a judgment or decision made by an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "was described as" in a sentence?

Use "was described as" to introduce a characterization or summary made by someone about a topic. For example: "The painting "was described as" a masterpiece by the art critic."

What are some alternatives to "was described as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "was characterized as", "was portrayed as", or "was referred to as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was described as"?

While "was described as" is inherently passive, ensure the surrounding sentences provide enough context. Overusing passive voice can make the writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing with active voice where appropriate.

What's the difference between "was described as" and "became described as"?

"Was described as" refers to a description that existed at a specific point in time. "Became described as" indicates a gradual shift in how something is perceived or characterized over time.