Cool MateAn explanation vs Description
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
An explanation
Top 2,000 (common)
Description
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Description
| An explanation | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ən ɪkˌspleɪnˈeɪʃən//🇺🇸 //ən ɪkˌspleɪˈneɪʃən// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskrɪpʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskrɪpʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A statement that makes something clear or easy to understand. | A spoken or written explanation of something. |
| Example | The teacher gave an explanation of the scientific concept that was very helpful. | Can you give me a description of the new movie? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | provide an explanation, offer an explanation, give an explanation, demand an explanation, request an explanation | complete, comprehensive, detailed, give (somebody), issue, offer (somebody), apply to somebody, fit somebody |
| Antonyms | - | obfuscation, confusion |
| Common mistakes | Using 'an explanation' without a specific context., Confusing 'explanation' with 'explanatory', which is an adjective., Saying 'the explanation' when it should be 'an explanation' in general discussion. | Confusing 'description' with 'prescription'., Using 'descriptive' instead of 'description' when referring to the noun., Saying 'describe' instead of 'description' in noun contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'an explanation' to clarify or elaborate on a subject. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual settings. | Use 'description' when explaining something clearly, often in writing. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: An explanation vs Description
What's the difference between An explanation and Description?
An explanation: A statement that makes something clear or easy to understand. Description: A spoken or written explanation of something.
Which is more common: An explanation and Description?
Description is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
An explanation: The teacher gave an explanation of the scientific concept that was very helpful. Description: Can you give me a description of the new movie?
Can I use An explanation and Description interchangeably?
Not always. An explanation and Description are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.