What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prescriptive
Example
The teacher gave prescriptive instructions on how to complete the assignment. [prescriptive: adjective]
Example
The company has a prescriptive approach to project management. [prescriptive: adjective]
descriptive
Example
The historian provided a descriptive account of the events leading up to the war. [descriptive: adjective]
Example
The author used descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the setting. [descriptive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descriptive is more commonly used than prescriptive in everyday language. Descriptive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prescriptive is less common and is typically used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prescriptive and descriptive?
Prescriptive is typically associated with a formal and authoritative tone, while descriptive is more neutral and adaptable to different formality levels.
