There is high confusion when it comes to using the words “ascribe,” “describe,” and “prescribe.” Because they carry almost the same meaning, which is an explanation about something, thus, you have to differentiate among the three to have a clear understanding of the words.
Let’s see some examples of “ascribe,” “describe,” and “prescribe” before starting. Why is there confusion?
Correct: People like to ascribe human feelings to animals.
Incorrect: People like to prescribe human feelings to animals.
Correct: I can’t describe how strong he is.
Incorrect: I can’t prescribe how strong he is.
Correct: The doctor prepared to prescribe a receipt.
Incorrect: The doctor prepared to ascribe/describe a receipt.
How and When to Use Ascribe and Describe in Sentence?
“Ascribe” means giving credit, assigning, attributing, imputing something to a specific cause or person, and “describing” means giving details of something.
Some examples of sentences using “ascribe” and “describe”:
- We ascribe great importance to these policies.
- Can you describe him to me?
- We can’t ascribe the same meaning to both words.
- I can’t describe how helpless I felt.
- I would not ascribe vice to him.
How and When to Use Prescribe in Sentence
“Prescribe” means to give direction or guideline about something. Such as a doctor guides a patient, how he will recover. That is the meaning of prescribe.
Some examples of sentences using “prescribe”:
- Various rights prescribe in twenty years.
- He may be able to prescribe some therapy that can help.
- What punishment does the law prescribe for corruption?
- Army regulations prescribe how rifles must be carried.
- If these don’t work, I may have to prescribe you something more potent.
Now, let’s look at a sentence using the words prescribe and describe together in a single sentence.
Exercise: If you describe your disease, the doctor will prescribe you.
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