be described by vs be described as

Both 'be described by' and 'be described as' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Be described by' is used when the subject is the one doing the describing, while 'be described as' is used when the subject is being described by someone or something else.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 180 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used when the subject is the one doing the describing.

"be described by"

This phrase is used when the subject is the one doing the describing. For example, 'The painting can be described by its vibrant colors and intricate details.'

Examples:

The character can be described by his courage and determination.
The city can be described by its rich history and diverse culture.
The book can be described by its complex plot and well-developed characters.
The dish can be described by its unique blend of flavors and spices.
The theory can be described by its innovative approach and thorough research.

Show examples from the web [+]

Reality cannot be described by two theories which do not agree.
The story will also be described by Opera e Lirica lovely dancers who will perform romantic choreographies.
Romania can be described by three words, Natural, Cultural and authentic.
FEN line: A state of a game can be described by one textual line.
Rug design can be described by the way the ornaments are arranged within the pile.
The range set shall be described by level or intensity.
Mathematically, this replacement may be described by elements of the SU(3) group.
Harmony and dissonance, tension and resolution - all can be described by the mathematical ratios between tones.
The behavior of this system is well studied and can be described by elementary trigonometric functions which are considered in classic physical and mechanic textbooks.
And, truthfully, the only real and consistent disability I've had to confront is the world ever thinking that I could be described by those definitions.
Its excellence cannot be described by ten million tongues and a thousand million mouths (89).
According to general relativity, the gravitational field produced by a rotating object (or any rotating mass-energy) can, in a particular limiting case, be described by equations that have the same form as in classical electromagnetism.
Sound pressure of the stationary noise has to be described by the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level LpAeq, T, according to prEN ISO 3095:2001, chapter 7.5.
Mind cannot be described by any color or shape - recognition of mind by means of color or shape is impossible.
Below the lambda line the liquid can be described by the so-called two-fluid model.
Mutations affecting flower morphology in Arabidopsis can be described by the ABC model of flower development.
Deviations from ideality can be described by the use of Margules functions or activity coefficients.
This structure can be described by the pattern "bidirectional rotary motor-driven propeller".
The serum concentration curve can be described by a biexponential equation.
The method is a transcendental one that cannot be described by our language.

Alternatives:

can be characterized by
can be defined by
can be depicted by
can be portrayed by
can be delineated by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used when the subject is being described by someone or something else.

"be described as"

This phrase is used when the subject is being described by someone or something else. For example, 'She is described as a talented musician.'

Examples:

The painting is described as a masterpiece by art critics.
The character is described as a hero by the townspeople.
The city is described as a bustling metropolis by visitors.
The book is described as a classic novel by literary scholars.
The dish is described as a culinary delight by food critics.

Show examples from the web [+]

Varanus reisingeri can very well be described as looking like V. prasinus without blue pigmentation.
The B.Zero1 can be described as the first simple way to simple replica Bulgari jewelry re-interpretation.
Can be described as extremely suggestible.
Shame can also be described as an unpleasant self-conscious emotion that involves negative evaluation of the self.
If not, these parents could be described as abusive.
They may be described as clingy, demanding, dependent, or insecure.
Their music could be described as a combination of traditional metal and dark/gothic elements.
The extant gastropod molluscs can be described as streptoneurous.
The results may be described as being either uncomplicated or complicated.
Its legal status could be described as that of a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization.
This scenario can be described as a closed-capsular bag system.
His photographic style can best be described as minimal, elegant and timeless.
The EXEC might be described as the Intellivision operating system.
This genre can be described as a look of the attack in Tower Defense.
Without going into details, the mechanism could be described as designed to convert energy into mechanical work.
From the ecological point of view, the mandrill can be described as a semi-terricolous, forestal frugivore.
It can be described as "breaking the ice" with your potential customers.
The Value Chart could be described as a DeTrended Oscillator in...
Nothing that could be described as a fondle.
In fact, this sandwich could easily be described as a full-scale culinary blitzkrieg.

Alternatives:

is known as
is referred to as
is labeled as
is called
is seen as

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be described by vs be described as

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"be described as"

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