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A1 noun #1,517 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

describe

Top 1,517

At the A1 level, the word 'describe' is introduced as a basic instruction word. Learners encounter it primarily in classroom settings where teachers ask them to 'describe the picture' or 'describe your family'. The focus is on using simple adjectives (big, small, red, blue, happy, sad) to talk about the physical appearance of people, places, and everyday objects. The concept is straightforward: telling someone what something looks like. Learners practice basic sentence structures like 'He is tall' or 'The car is fast' as a direct response to the prompt 'describe'. At this stage, the vocabulary used to perform the description is limited, but understanding the command 'describe' is essential for participating in basic communicative exercises. It forms the foundation for all future expressive language skills. Students learn that describing is the opposite of just naming something; it requires adding details. They might use it in simple present tense, such as 'I describe my dog.' The goal is purely functional communication, ensuring the learner can respond to requests for basic information about their immediate environment and personal life.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'describe' more independently and with a slightly wider range of vocabulary. They are no longer just responding to teacher prompts; they might initiate descriptions in simple conversations. For example, they might say, 'Can you describe your new house?' or 'I want to describe my holiday.' The descriptions become slightly more detailed, incorporating compound sentences and a broader array of adjectives relating to size, shape, color, and basic emotions. They learn to describe sequences of events in a simple way, such as describing a typical day or a past weekend. The grammatical structures become slightly more complex, perhaps using prepositions of place (next to, behind) to describe where things are in a room. They also start to recognize the difference between describing a person's physical appearance and their personality (e.g., 'He is tall and he is very kind'). The word 'describe' becomes a tool for sharing personal experiences and gathering information from others in everyday social situations, like shopping or asking for directions.

At the B1 level, the use of 'describe' expands significantly into more abstract and detailed territory. Learners are expected to describe feelings, reactions, dreams, and ambitions. They can describe the plot of a book or a movie, outlining the main events and characters. The vocabulary used for description becomes much richer, moving beyond basic adjectives to include more specific terms (e.g., 'exhausted' instead of 'very tired', 'fascinating' instead of 'very interesting'). They learn to use adverbs of degree (quite, extremely, slightly) to modify their descriptions. Furthermore, they begin to use 'describe' in professional or semi-formal contexts, such as describing their work experience in a job interview or describing a problem to a customer service representative. They understand the grammatical rule that 'describe' is not followed by 'about' (e.g., 'I described the issue', not 'I described about the issue'). The ability to describe effectively at this level is crucial for maintaining conversations, expressing opinions, and navigating a wider variety of social and practical situations in an English-speaking environment.

At the B2 level, learners demonstrate a high degree of fluency and precision when using the word 'describe'. They can describe complex processes, detailed systems, and nuanced abstract concepts. Their descriptions are well-structured, using cohesive devices to link ideas logically. They can describe hypothetical situations and speculate about outcomes. In written English, they use 'describe' to craft engaging narratives, utilizing sensory language to create vivid images in the reader's mind. They are comfortable using synonyms like 'depict', 'illustrate', and 'portray' to add variety to their language. They can also understand and use passive constructions, such as 'The suspect was described as...'. At this level, learners can tailor their descriptions to different audiences, knowing how to describe a technical issue to an expert versus a layperson. They are aware of the subtle differences between describing, explaining, and summarizing. The word 'describe' is a fully integrated tool in their communicative arsenal, allowing them to express themselves clearly, persuasively, and with a significant degree of sophistication in both academic and professional settings.

At the C1 level, the mastery of 'describe' and its associated skills is near-native. Learners can describe highly complex, specialized, or sensitive topics with absolute clarity and diplomacy. They use an extensive and sophisticated vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and nuanced adjectives, to convey exact shades of meaning. They can describe subtle changes in mood, atmosphere, or tone. In academic or professional writing, they use 'describe' to synthesize information from multiple sources, detailing intricate methodologies or theoretical frameworks. They are adept at using descriptive language to persuade, entertain, or evoke specific emotional responses from their audience. They effortlessly navigate complex grammatical structures, such as using participle clauses or inversion to enhance their descriptions. They can critically analyze how others use descriptive language, identifying bias or rhetorical strategies in texts. At this level, describing is not just about conveying information; it is an art form used to manipulate language for specific stylistic or communicative effects, demonstrating a profound understanding of the cultural and linguistic nuances of English.

At the C2 level, the use of 'describe' is effortless, masterful, and indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. Learners can describe virtually anything, no matter how abstract, technical, or obscure, with absolute precision and elegance. They possess an exhaustive vocabulary that allows them to select the perfect word for any descriptive task, drawing on rare or literary terms when appropriate. They can describe complex emotional states, philosophical concepts, or intricate artistic works with profound depth and insight. Their descriptive writing is characterized by its flow, rhythm, and evocative power. They can seamlessly blend description with analysis, argumentation, and narrative. They are acutely aware of the register and tone required for any given situation, adjusting their descriptive style instinctively. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, the act of describing is a demonstration of complete linguistic dominance, reflecting a deep, internalized understanding of how English can be used to capture and convey the infinite complexity of human experience and the world around us.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

describe en 30 secondes

To paint a picture with words.
To give details about appearance or nature.
To explain what happened in an event.
A transitive verb needing a direct object.

When we use the word describe, we are talking about the act of painting a picture with words. To describe something means to give details about its appearance, its nature, its characteristics, or how it functions, so that someone who has never seen it or experienced it can form a clear mental image. This is a fundamental communication skill in any language, serving as the bridge between personal experience and shared understanding. When you describe a person, you might talk about their height, their hair color, their clothing, or their personality traits. When you describe a place, you might mention the weather, the architecture, the sounds, or the general atmosphere. The ability to describe effectively relies heavily on a robust vocabulary of adjectives and adverbs, as well as a keen sense of observation.

Physical Description: Focuses on tangible attributes like size, shape, color, texture, and physical dimensions that can be perceived by the five senses.

Can you describe the man who stole your bag?

Furthermore, describing isn't limited to physical objects. We frequently describe events, processes, and abstract concepts. For instance, a scientist must describe their methodology in a research paper so that others can replicate the experiment. A witness must describe the sequence of events in a traffic accident. A patient must describe their symptoms to a doctor, detailing the type of pain, its location, and its intensity. In all these scenarios, the goal is clarity and precision. The more accurately you can describe something, the less room there is for misunderstanding.

Abstract Description: Involves explaining feelings, ideas, theories, or complex situations that cannot be physically touched or seen.

It is difficult to describe the feeling of pure joy.

In literature and creative writing, the ability to describe is what brings stories to life. Authors use descriptive language to build worlds, establish moods, and develop characters. They might describe the smell of rain on dry earth, the sound of a distant train, or the rough texture of an old brick wall. This sensory language pulls the reader into the narrative. Even in everyday conversation, a good description makes a story more engaging. Think about how you describe a fantastic meal you had at a new restaurant; you don't just say 'it was food,' you describe the flavors, the presentation, and the aroma.

Sensory Description: Utilizes words that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, creating a vivid experience for the audience.

The author takes three pages to describe the ancient castle.

Please describe exactly what happened yesterday.

Ultimately, to describe is to share your perspective with the world. It is a dynamic process that requires you to select the most relevant details and present them in a logical order. Whether you are describing a lost pet to a neighbor, describing your qualifications in a job interview, or describing a beautiful sunset in a poem, you are using language to recreate reality in the mind of another person. Mastering this word and the action it represents is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency and expressiveness in English.

Words cannot describe how grateful I am for your help.

Using the word describe correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical properties. Describe is a transitive verb, which means it always requires a direct object. You cannot simply say 'I described.' You must say what you described: 'I described the house,' 'She described the problem,' or 'They described their vacation.' The direct object is the person, place, thing, or idea that is receiving the action of being described. This is a crucial rule for English learners to remember, as omitting the object leads to incomplete and confusing sentences. Additionally, describe is a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed simply by adding '-d' to the base form, resulting in 'described'.

Transitive Verb Rule: A transitive verb like describe must be followed by a direct object to complete its meaning. Example: Describe (verb) the picture (object).

He tried to describe the taste of the exotic fruit.

One of the most common ways to use describe is with adverbs to indicate how the description is being done. You can describe something accurately, briefly, vividly, thoroughly, or vaguely. These adverbs modify the verb and give the listener more information about the quality of the description itself. For example, 'She described the suspect accurately' implies that her details matched the real person perfectly. 'He described the movie briefly' means he only gave a short summary without many details. Using adverbs with describe enhances your sentence structure and makes your communication much more precise and sophisticated.

Adverb Collocations: Words that frequently pair with describe to show the manner of description, such as perfectly, vividly, accurately, and briefly.

The witness was able to describe the events vividly.

Another important structure is 'describe someone/something as something'. This is used when you want to categorize or label the thing you are describing. For instance, 'I would describe him as a very hard worker.' In this sentence, 'as a very hard worker' acts as the complement, providing the specific label or characteristic assigned to 'him'. You might also hear, 'The police described the situation as dangerous.' This structure is incredibly common in both spoken and written English, particularly in news reports, formal assessments, and personal opinions.

Describe As Structure: Using the format 'describe [object] as [adjective/noun]' to assign a specific quality or category to the object.

She would describe herself as an introvert.

The critics describe the new film as a masterpiece.

Finally, consider the passive voice. The passive form 'be described' is frequently used when the person doing the describing is unknown or less important than the thing being described. For example, 'The suspect was described as a tall man with a beard.' Here, we don't necessarily need to know who described him; the focus is entirely on the description itself. This is standard in formal writing, police reports, and scientific literature. Mastering these various structures—transitive use, adverb pairings, the 'as' structure, and the passive voice—will give you complete command over how to use the word describe in any situation.

The pain was described as sharp and sudden.

The word describe is ubiquitous in the English language, appearing in almost every context imaginable, from the most casual conversations to the most formal legal documents. One of the most common places you will hear it is in educational settings. Teachers constantly ask students to describe things to test their comprehension and vocabulary. A history teacher might ask a student to describe the causes of World War II. A science teacher might ask a class to describe the water cycle. An English teacher will certainly ask students to describe the main character of a novel. In these academic environments, describing is a primary method of demonstrating knowledge and analytical skills.

Academic Context: Used extensively in schools and universities to prompt students to explain concepts, summarize texts, or detail scientific processes.

The exam asked us to describe the process of photosynthesis.

Another major arena where describe is frequently used is in law enforcement and the legal system. When a crime occurs, the first thing police officers do is ask witnesses to describe the suspect, the getaway vehicle, or the sequence of events. These descriptions are critical for investigations. You will often hear phrases like 'Can you describe the man?' or 'The suspect is described as...' on the evening news. In courtrooms, lawyers ask witnesses to describe what they saw or heard on a specific date. The accuracy of these descriptions can literally determine the outcome of a trial, highlighting the immense weight this simple verb carries in real-world scenarios.

Legal and Police Context: Crucial for gathering eyewitness testimony, creating suspect profiles, and establishing the facts of a case in a court of law.

The police asked the victim to describe the attacker in detail.

In the medical field, the ability to describe is equally vital. When you visit a doctor, the consultation usually begins with the doctor asking you to describe your symptoms. 'Can you describe the pain?' 'Describe how you've been feeling lately.' Based on how accurately you describe your condition, the doctor makes a diagnosis. Medical professionals also use the word among themselves, describing patient cases, surgical procedures, or the effects of a new medication. Clear description in healthcare is quite literally a matter of life and death, ensuring that patients receive the correct treatment based on accurate information.

Medical Context: Used by doctors to elicit symptom details from patients and to communicate clinical findings with other healthcare providers.

The doctor asked him to describe the exact location of the pain.

It is hard to describe the side effects of the medication.

Finally, in everyday social interactions, we use describe constantly. Friends ask each other to describe a new romantic partner, a movie they just watched, or a vacation destination. 'Describe your blind date!' or 'Describe the hotel to me.' In these informal settings, describing is a way of sharing experiences and building connections. We use colorful language, slang, and exaggerated adjectives to make our descriptions entertaining. Whether formal or informal, written or spoken, the word describe is a foundational pillar of human communication, enabling us to share our internal world with those around us.

Call me later and describe everything that happened at the party!

Even though describe is a very common word, English learners frequently make a few specific mistakes when using it. The absolute most common error is adding the preposition 'about' immediately after the verb. Many learners say, 'Let me describe about my hometown' or 'He described about the movie.' This is grammatically incorrect in English. Because describe is a transitive verb, it must connect directly to its object without a preposition in between. The correct phrasing is simply 'Let me describe my hometown' or 'He described the movie.' The word describe already contains the meaning of 'giving details about,' so adding 'about' is redundant and marks the speaker as a non-native user of the language.

The 'About' Error: Incorrectly inserting the word 'about' after describe. Remember: Describe + Object. Never Describe + about + Object.

INCORRECT: She described about the project. CORRECT: She described the project.

Another frequent mistake involves confusing describe with explain. While they are similar, they are not perfectly interchangeable. To describe means to say what something looks like, feels like, or is. It focuses on characteristics and sensory details. To explain, on the other hand, means to make something clear by giving reasons or detailing how it works. You describe a car's sleek red exterior and leather seats, but you explain how the internal combustion engine works. If a teacher asks you to explain a math problem, they want the steps and the logic, not a description of what the numbers look like on the page. Mixing these up can lead to answering questions incorrectly in academic or professional settings.

Describe vs. Explain: Describe focuses on the 'what' (appearance, traits), while explain focuses on the 'how' or 'why' (reasons, mechanics).

He tried to describe the complex machine, but he couldn't explain how it worked.

A third common issue is a lack of vocabulary when attempting to describe something. Learners often rely on basic, overused adjectives like 'good', 'bad', 'big', or 'small'. While grammatically correct, this makes the description weak and uninteresting. To truly master the act of describing, one must build a rich vocabulary of synonyms. Instead of saying a house is 'big', describe it as 'spacious', 'massive', or 'cavernous'. Instead of saying a meal was 'good', describe it as 'delicious', 'savory', or 'exquisite'. The effectiveness of the verb describe is entirely dependent on the quality of the adjectives and adverbs that follow it.

Weak Adjective Usage: Relying on basic vocabulary limits the power of your description. Expand your adjective vocabulary for better results.

Don't just say it was nice; describe the specific flavors and textures.

She struggled to describe the painting because she lacked the artistic vocabulary.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of describe, particularly the stress. The stress falls on the second syllable: de-SCRIBE. Pronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable (DE-scribe) sounds unnatural and can momentarily confuse a native speaker. Additionally, ensuring the final 'b' sound is clearly articulated is important, as trailing off can make it sound like 'descry', which is a completely different, albeit rare, word. By avoiding the 'about' trap, distinguishing it from 'explain', enriching your adjectives, and mastering the pronunciation, you will use describe flawlessly.

Listen to how native speakers stress the second syllable when they say describe.

The English language is rich with synonyms for describe, each carrying its own subtle nuance and specific context of use. Understanding these similar words allows you to express yourself more precisely and avoid repetition in your writing and speaking. One of the most common synonyms is 'explain'. As discussed previously, while describe focuses on the 'what' and the sensory details, explain focuses on the 'how' and 'why'. You describe a beautiful sunset, but you explain the atmospheric scattering of light that causes the colors. They are closely related because both involve conveying information to someone else, but their targets are different.

Explain: To make an idea, situation, or problem clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.

Instead of just trying to describe the rule, let me explain why it exists.

Another excellent synonym, particularly in formal or artistic contexts, is 'depict'. Depict literally means to show or represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form, but it is frequently used metaphorically for words. When an author depicts a scene, they are describing it so vividly that it feels like a painting. It carries a slightly more artistic or visual connotation than the standard describe. Similarly, 'portray' is used when describing a person or character, often implying a specific interpretation or angle. An actor portrays a character on stage, but a journalist might also portray a politician in a negative light through their description.

Depict and Portray: Depict implies creating a visual image with words or art. Portray often involves describing someone's character or nature, sometimes with a specific bias.

The novel vividly describes (depicts) the harsh realities of war.

If you are talking about describing something in a very detailed, step-by-step manner, words like 'detail' (used as a verb) or 'outline' are appropriate. To detail a plan means to describe every single part of it meticulously. To outline a proposal means to describe its main points or general shape without getting bogged down in the minutiae. These words are highly useful in business and academic environments where precision and structure are valued over emotional or sensory language.

Detail and Outline: Detail means to describe exhaustively. Outline means to describe the main features or general principles.

The manager asked him to describe (outline) the new marketing strategy.

She proceeded to describe (detail) every single problem with the software.

Finally, words like 'illustrate' and 'characterize' offer further variations. To illustrate means to describe using examples or comparisons, making an abstract concept easier to understand. To characterize means to describe the distinctive nature or features of something. By learning these synonyms—explain, depict, portray, detail, outline, illustrate, and characterize—you move beyond the basic use of describe and develop a nuanced, sophisticated command of the English language, capable of selecting the exact right word for any situation.

Let me give you an example to describe (illustrate) my point.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

Please describe the picture.

Tell me what you see in the image.

Used as an imperative verb to give an instruction.

Can you describe your dog?

Tell me what your dog looks like.

Used with the modal verb 'can' for a polite request.

I want to describe my house.

I want to tell you about my house.

Used as an infinitive after the verb 'want'.

Describe the man you saw.

Tell me what the man looked like.

Imperative form used for gathering information.

She describes her family in the letter.

She writes about what her family is like.

Third-person singular present tense.

He cannot describe the color.

He doesn't know how to say what color it is.

Used with a negative modal.

Let me describe my new car.

Allow me to tell you about my new car.

Used after 'let me' to offer information.

They describe the food as very good.

They say the food is very good.

Using the 'describe [object] as [adjective]' structure.

Can you describe what happened yesterday?

Tell me the story of yesterday.

Describing an event or sequence.

The teacher asked us to describe our weekend.

The teacher wanted us to talk about our weekend.

Infinitive used after 'asked us to'.

I will describe the hotel to you later.

I will tell you about the hotel later.

Future tense with 'will'.

She described him as tall and handsome.

She said he was tall and handsome.

Past tense 'described' with 'as'.

It is hard to describe the taste of this fruit.

It is difficult to say what this fruit tastes like.

Infinitive phrase acting as the subject complement.

Please describe your symptoms to the doctor.

Tell the doctor how you feel sick.

Imperative used in a medical context.

He tried to describe the strange noise.

He attempted to tell us what the noise sounded like.

Used after the verb 'tried'.

They described the movie in great detail.

They told us many things about the movie.

Past tense modified by a prepositional phrase.

The witness was able to describe the suspect accurately.

The witness gave a correct picture of the suspect.

Modified by the adverb 'accurately'.

Words cannot describe how happy I am right now.

I am too happy to explain it with words.

Common idiomatic expression.

She described the complex process step by step.

She explained the process in order.

Describing a process logically.

I need you to describe exactly what you saw.

Tell me the precise details of what you saw.

Followed by a noun clause starting with 'what'.

He described feeling a sudden, sharp pain in his chest.

He said he felt a quick, bad pain.

Followed by a gerund ('feeling').

The brochure describes the resort as a tropical paradise.

The booklet says the resort is a perfect tropical place.

Using 'describe as' for marketing/categorization.

It's difficult to describe the atmosphere of the festival.

It's hard to explain the feeling of the festival.

Describing an abstract concept (atmosphere).

The author describes the landscape beautifully in the first chapter.

The writer paints a nice picture of the land.

Modified by the adverb 'beautifully'.

The report describes a significant increase in global temperatures.

The document details a large rise in heat.

Used in formal/academic writing to present findings.

She vividly described the trauma of her childhood experiences.

She told the painful story of her youth very clearly.

Modified by the strong adverb 'vividly'.

The suspect was described as being in his late twenties.

People said the suspect was almost thirty years old.

Passive voice construction.

I wouldn't describe myself as an expert, but I know a little.

I don't call myself an expert, but I know some things.

Using 'describe oneself as' for self-assessment.

The phenomenon is best described by the theory of relativity.

The theory of relativity explains this event the best.

Passive voice indicating the means of description.

He struggled to describe the nuances of the foreign culture.

It was hard for him to explain the small details of the culture.

Describing complex, abstract nuances.

The job advertisement describes the ideal candidate as highly motivated.

The ad says the perfect worker is very driven.

Formal use in professional contexts.

Can you describe the methodology you used for this research?

Explain the steps you took for your study.

Academic context, describing a process.

The novel masterfully describes the disintegration of a wealthy family.

The book brilliantly shows the falling apart of a rich family.

Adverb 'masterfully' highlighting literary skill.

It is virtually impossible to describe the sheer scale of the universe.

You almost cannot explain how huge the universe is.

Using 'virtually impossible' to emphasize difficulty.

The critic described the performance as a tour de force of modern theater.

The reviewer called the play an amazing achievement.

Using 'describe as' with advanced vocabulary (tour de force).

She eloquently described the systemic inequalities present in the education system.

She beautifully explained the unfairness in schools.

Adverb 'eloquently' modifying the verb in a formal speech.

The symptoms he described are indicative of a rare autoimmune disorder.

The signs he mentioned point to a rare disease.

Relative clause 'he described' modifying 'symptoms'.

The architecture can only be described as a bizarre amalgamation of styles.

The building is just a weird mix of different designs.

Passive construction 'can only be described as'.

He described the situation with such precision that no further questions were needed.

He explained it so exactly that we understood everything.

Using 'with such [noun] that' for emphasis.

The poem describes the ephemeral nature of youth and beauty.

The poem talks about how youth and beauty don't last long.

Describing profound abstract concepts.

The author's ability to describe the minutiae of everyday life is unparalleled.

The writer is the best at explaining tiny daily details.

Noun phrase 'ability to describe' as the subject.

The landscape was described in such evocative terms that I felt transported there.

The land was explained so beautifully I felt I was there.

Passive voice with 'in such evocative terms'.

He described the philosophical conundrum with a lucidity rarely seen in modern academia.

He explained the deep problem very clearly, which is rare.

Describing highly complex academic concepts.

The devastating impact of the war is described at length in the historical archives.

The terrible effects of the war are detailed a lot in old records.

Prepositional phrase 'at length' modifying the passive verb.

She described the intricate choreography with the discerning eye of a seasoned professional.

She explained the complex dance perfectly, like an expert.

Using a prepositional phrase to indicate the manner of description.

The protagonist's internal monologue describes a descent into madness with chilling accuracy.

The main character's thoughts show them going crazy very accurately.

Literary analysis context.

The phenomenon, hitherto undescribed in scientific literature, baffled the researchers.

The event, never explained before in science, confused them.

Using the negative participle 'undescribed' as an adjective.

To describe his contribution as merely 'significant' would be a gross understatement.

Calling his help just 'important' is not enough.

Infinitive phrase acting as the subject of a complex sentence.

Synonymes

explain report outline portray detail depict

Antonymes

hide conceal confuse

Collocations courantes

describe accurately

describe briefly

describe vividly

describe perfectly

describe exactly

difficult to describe

hard to describe

ask to describe

attempt to describe

describe a situation

Phrases Courantes

describe someone as

describe something in detail

words cannot describe

how would you describe

describe the process

describe the symptoms

describe the suspect

describe the feeling

describe the event

let me describe

Souvent confondu avec

describe vs explain

describe vs discuss

describe vs summarize

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

describe vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'describe' is primarily visual or factual, it can also be used for abstract concepts. However, if you are focusing on the *reasons* behind something, 'explain' is usually the better choice.

Erreurs courantes

Adding 'about' after the verb (e.g., 'describe about the book').
Confusing 'describe' with 'explain' when asked for reasons.
Pronouncing the stress on the first syllable (DE-scribe).
Using weak, repetitive adjectives (good, bad, big, small) instead of specific ones.
Forgetting to use a direct object (e.g., saying 'I described' instead of 'I described it').

Astuces

Drop the 'About'

Never use 'about' directly after 'describe'. Say 'describe the event', not 'describe about the event'. This is the #1 mistake learners make with this word.

Upgrade Your Adjectives

A description is only as good as its adjectives. Stop using 'nice' and 'bad'. Learn words like 'stunning', 'atrocious', 'vibrant', and 'dull' to make your descriptions powerful.

Stress the Second Syllable

When speaking, make sure you emphasize the 'SCRIBE' part of the word. de-SCRIBE. This makes you sound much more natural and fluent.

Use the Five Senses

When writing a description, don't just tell the reader what something looks like. Tell them what it sounds, smells, feels, and tastes like. This brings your writing to life.

Listen for 'As'

When listening to news or formal English, pay attention to the phrase 'described as'. It will tell you exactly how a person or situation is being categorized.

Crucial for Doctors

If you travel or live abroad, knowing how to describe your symptoms accurately to a doctor is vital. Practice describing different types of pain (sharp, dull, throbbing).

Use 'Words Cannot Describe'

Impress native speakers by using the phrase 'Words cannot describe...' when you want to show extreme gratitude, happiness, or shock.

Describe vs. Explain

Remember: Describe the WHAT. Explain the WHY and HOW. Keep this rule in mind during exams or job interviews to answer questions correctly.

Organize Your Thoughts

When asked to describe a process or event, use sequence words like 'First', 'Then', 'Next', and 'Finally' to keep your description clear and logical.

The Room Game

Practice your skills by looking around the room you are in right now and trying to describe three objects in English using at least two specific adjectives for each.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

DE-SCRIBE: Think of a SCRIBE (a writer) writing DE-tails about something.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

In some high-context cultures, overly detailed descriptions might be seen as unnecessary or patronizing, as much is left to shared understanding. In English-speaking (often lower-context) cultures, explicit and detailed description is usually preferred for clarity.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"How would you describe your personality in three words?"

"Can you describe your favorite childhood memory?"

"Describe the best meal you've ever eaten."

"How would you describe your hometown to a stranger?"

"Describe a movie you watched recently without giving away the ending."

Sujets d'écriture

Describe the room you are sitting in right now using all five senses.

Describe a person who has had a major impact on your life.

Describe your perfect day from morning to night.

Describe a time when you felt completely overwhelmed.

Describe an object that is very important to you and explain why.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. 'Describe' is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. You should say 'describe the picture', not 'describe about the picture'. The word 'about' is already implied in the meaning of 'describe'.

'Describe' focuses on what something looks like, feels like, or what happened. It uses sensory details and facts. 'Explain' focuses on how something works or why something happened. It uses logic and reasons. You describe a car's color, but you explain how its engine works.

The correct pronunciation places the stress on the second syllable: de-SCRIBE. The 'i' in the second syllable is a long 'i' sound, like in the word 'eye'. Make sure not to stress the first syllable.

'Describe' is a regular verb. To form the past tense and past participle, you simply add a 'd' to the end, making it 'described'. The present participle is 'describing'.

Yes, absolutely. While it is often used for physical objects, you can definitely describe abstract things like feelings, atmospheres, or situations. For example, 'It is hard to describe the feeling of joy.'

This is a common idiom used when an emotion or situation is so extreme, beautiful, or terrible that normal language is not enough to convey it. For example, 'Words cannot describe how thankful I am.'

The best way to improve is to expand your vocabulary of adjectives and adverbs. Instead of using basic words like 'good' or 'big', learn more specific words like 'excellent' or 'enormous'. Also, try to incorporate the five senses into your descriptions.

The noun form is 'description'. For example, 'He gave a detailed description of the suspect.' Notice that the spelling changes slightly, dropping the 'be' and adding 'ption'.

Yes, it is very common in formal or journalistic writing. For example, 'The suspect was described as a tall man.' This focuses on the description itself rather than who gave it.

This structure is used to categorize or label something. For example, 'She described him as a genius.' It means she gave him the label of 'genius' during her description.