Conjugation of "Describe" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
"Describe" is a regular English verb. This page lists every conjugated form of "describe" — past, present, future, and all perfect/continuous tenses — with example sentences and grammar notes useful for ESL students, writers, and language teachers.
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All 12 Tenses of "Describe"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "describe" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I describe |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I described |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will describe |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am describing |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was describing |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be describing |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have described |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had described |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have described |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been describing |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been describing |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been describing |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Describe" — Described
The past simple of "describe" is "described" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- He described the accident in detail. A2
- Have you described the situation? A2
Past Participle of "Describe" — Described
The past participle of "describe" is "described" — the same form as the past simple, since "describe" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have described") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was described").
- He described the accident in detail. A2
- Have you described the situation? A2
Is "Describe" Regular or Irregular?
"Describe" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "described". The 3rd-person singular present is "describes" and the gerund/present participle is "describing".
Conjugation pattern: regular: add -ed for past simple and past participle
How to Use "Describe" — Common Grammar Patterns
"Describe" means to give details about something. Forms: describe, describes, described, described. Pattern: describe (something) or describe (something) to (someone). The "to" phrase is optional; unlike "explain", it is not required.
Example Sentences with "Describe" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: Can you describe what happened? A2
- Simple Past: He described the accident in detail. A2
Common Collocations with "Describe"
- describe something — Can you describe the person?
- describe to someone — She described her experience to us.
- describe in detail — He described the event in detail.
- describe accurately — Try to describe it accurately.
- describe as — How would you describe him as a person?
Common Mistakes with "Describe"
-
Wrong: She describe me her home.
Correct: She described her home to me. / She described her home.
Use "describe + object (+ to person)", with optional "to" phrase; cannot use indirect object alone. -
Wrong: He describing the picture.
Correct: He is describing the picture. / He describes the picture.
Use "is" + participle or simple present; not just participle. -
Wrong: They describe the car yesterday.
Correct: They described the car yesterday.
Use past tense (described) for completed actions.
Conjugation Tables for "Describe"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not describe · He does not describe
- Simple past: I did not describe · She did not describe
- Present perfect: I have not described · He has not described
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you describe? · Does he describe?
- Simple past: Did you describe?
- Present perfect: Have you described?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is described
- Simple past passive: It was described
- Present perfect passive: It has been described
Frequently Asked Questions About "Describe"
- Is "describe" regular or irregular?
- "describe" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "described".
- What is the past tense of "describe"?
- The simple past of "describe" is "described".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "describe"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I describe every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am describing right now."
- What's a common mistake with "describe"?
- Use "describe + object (+ to person)", with optional "to" phrase; cannot use indirect object alone. Wrong: "She describe me her home." Correct: "She described her home to me. / She described her home."