describe in vs describe to

Both "describe in" and "describe to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Describe in" is used when talking about the details or characteristics of something within a specific context or setting. On the other hand, "describe to" is used when explaining or narrating something to someone else.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1403 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"describe in"

This phrase is used when providing detailed information or characteristics within a specific context or setting. For example, "Can you describe in detail how the system works?"

Examples:

Can you describe in detail how the system works?
She described in great detail the events of that day.
The book describes in vivid colors the beauty of the landscape.
He described in clear terms the process of creating the artwork.
The report describes in detail the findings of the research.

Show examples from the web [+]

The following two sections describe in more detail the monetary policies pursued by the NCBs of the euro area Member States in the course of 1998.
The flowcharts in Annex I to this Notice describe in graphical form the various procedural steps to be followed in the referral mechanisms set out in Articles 4(4) and (5), Article 9 and Article 22.
For each parameter the IM should describe in the register the limit values of the interface parameters to which the route section is maintained.
(c) a fund of Ucits must describe in its instruments of incorporation or fund rules and in its prospectus and any promotional literature the characteristics of the Ucits in the units of which it is authorized to invest.
Because from this point until... for ever, whenever anyone tries to deny what happened to the Jews of Europe under the Nazis, they can be sat down and invited to watch Obersturmbannfuhrer Eichmann describe in minute detail how it was done.
48. The flowcharts in Annex I to this Notice describe in graphical form the various procedural steps to be followed in the referral mechanisms set out in Articles 4(4) and (5), Article 9 and Article 22.
That agreement shall describe in particular the type and location of operations to be financed by the Fund.
Then set the dose as describe in section 4.
That agreement shall describe in particular the type and location of operations to be financed by the Fund.
It's like those incidents you describe in your report as "almost magical attempts to please us".
I'm asking if you can describe in more detail What it felt like to watch him.
The following two sections describe in more detail the analytical framework for assessing consumer pass-on of efficiency gains.
The following sections describe in further detail the information contained under each of these headings.
Mr President, Mr Ceyhun, the Commission is aware of the events that you describe in your question.
In a minute, my colleague Mr Rasmussen will describe in specific terms what we expect of you.
The audit authority should describe in the annual control report the way assurance has been obtained.
Member States shall describe in their strategy which accompanying measures they adopt in order to ensure the successful implementation of their scheme.
When I'm saying adios, I'll describe in full your little bag of tricks.
Member States shall describe in their strategy which accompanying measures they will adopt to ensure the successful implementation of their scheme.
Is that what you describe in your book as the most powerful force in the universe?

Alternatives:

explain in
depict in
outline in
portray in
narrate in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"describe to"

This phrase is used when explaining or narrating something to someone else. For example, "She described to me the plot of the movie."

Examples:

She described to me the plot of the movie.
Can you describe to the class what happened?
He described to the police officer the sequence of events.
The witness described to the court what he saw that night.
Please describe to us how the incident unfolded.

Show examples from the web [+]

She began to describe to her mother in great detail...
Just describe to me what I'm doing.
Pray describe to the court what then happened to you.
Pray describe to the court the conditions in... that prison chamber.
Let me describe to you the product That I'm interested in.
So, describe to the audience the temperature of your shirt. Go ahead.
Now, speaker number two... describe to your friend a room... you remember having as a child.
Could you describe to us his mood that evening?
I'll describe to you whatever's on the way.
And that's what I'm going to describe to you today.
We were asked by a large healthcare system in Minnesota to describe to them what their patient experience was.
These two sectors, let me describe to you, have their own indigenous institutions.
Its difficult to describe to people who weren't experiencing at that time, how much material was suddenly available.
Listen, Brenda, just take a deep breath, and describe to me exactly what the snake looked like.
I can't describe to you what this kid went through, an 8 year old boy.
Can you describe to me the phosphorus?
They took me to talk to someone who I can only describe to you as a ranking federal official.
I can't describe to you how much it pains me to say this, but that is a good idea.
But I'd like to describe to you a more subtle kind of diversity and tell you about the ants.
In your defence, you describe to us what you have done since March 1996.

Alternatives:

explain to
narrate to
tell to
relate to
report to

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describe in vs describe to

"describe in"

"describe to"

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