describing places and buildings essay

How to Describe a Place in English: Complete Guide

This article covers the following areas –

Use descriptive adjectives for a general description, use vivid visual imagery to describe a place, describe places with auditory imagery, talk about your feelings about the place, describe the changes you noticed now and then, make recommendations about the place, sample conversation, final thoughts, let’s practice now – quiz, frequently asked questions.

Take this quiz to test your knowledge on this topic. Then read the article and retake the quiz at the end to see your improvement.

Haven’t you ever been asked by someone to describe a place you loved visiting? Or didn’t you ever feel like talking with your friend about a lovely place you visited? Whether a place is exciting or dull, you can draw a picture of the place with a vivid description. An accurate description can help your audience to experience that place through your eyes.

In this post, I’ll help you with some useful adjectives and other expressions to describe a place in English.

Describing a Place in English – Complete Self Study Guide! Practice > Learn > Use

Use descriptive adjectives and visual & auditory imageries to describe a place in English. Also, share your feelings and recommend whether to visit the place or the best time to visit it . If you have been to a place more than once, you can talk about the changes you notice.

Well! To learn adjectives to be able to use in various real-life situations, you may try one of my favorite books, 10,000 Useful Adjectives In English: Types, Degrees and Formation of Adjectives .

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Using descriptive adjectives is the best way to describe anyone or anything. So is a place. From such adjectives, one can get an overall idea of a place.

To effectively use descriptive adjectives for describing a place, select words that vividly convey its atmosphere, appearance, and mood. For instance, “bustling” suggests a lively, busy area, while “serene” paints a picture of tranquility. Aim for adjectives that evoke sensory experiences and emotional responses, providing a vivid, immersive description.

Here, I present several descriptive adjectives with their use in sentences to help you to develop your skill in describing a place.

To use vivid visual imagery in describing a place, employ descriptive language that appeals to the senses. Detail colors, textures, and shapes, and incorporate similes or metaphors to liken features to familiar objects, creating a rich, evocative mental picture for the reader.

Visual imagery can play a significant role in describing a place, no matter whether you talk or write about it. It helps you to share what you have experienced through your sense of sight. If you can use visual imagery well, you can make your audience visualize the place, even without visiting it in person.

Your vivid description of a place with visual imagery can even take someone to the place for a moment through their visualization.

Here, let me give you some examples of how you can create visual imagery through your words.

Example 1: I loved the green paddy fields beside the river. The boats of different designs, shapes, and colors made a mesmerizing picturesque. On a moonlit night, you can spend hours after hours sitting by the river’s shore, looking at the moon’s reflection on the water.

Example 2: The landscape with a snowy mountain and a sun setting behind it will let you forget all the odds of your life.

To describe places with auditory imagery, use descriptive language that evokes sounds. Mention specific noises, like rustling leaves or bustling streets, and their volume, pitch, and rhythm. This approach helps readers vividly experience the place through its unique soundscapes.

Like visual imagery, auditory imagery can be crucial while describing a place. It appeals to your sense of hearing. Every place has its sound. For example, suppose you were at a big car factory a few days ago. While describing the place, you can talk about the sounds of the machines to help your audience to get a good idea about the place.

Now, imagine you are sitting on a seashore in the evening. It’s usually a very calm and quiet place, except for the sounds of the wave. So if you tell someone that you were sitting at a place where there were sounds of waves, people will be able to guess where the place is.

Here comes the power of auditory imagery. If you can describe the sounds well with your words, your audience may be able to get the feeling of hearing that sound without being there.

Now, let’s see some examples of the description of sounds while describing a place in English.

Example 1: In the bungalow, in the morning, you will wake up with birds chirping, while at night, you will go to sleep listening to the rhythmic sound of crickets.

Example 2: The sound of the waves will outdo all the other noises around the beach.

To talk about feelings regarding a place and express personal emotions and reactions. Describe how the place made you feel, such as peaceful, exhilarated, or nostalgic. Use descriptive language to convey the atmosphere and its impact on your mood and senses.

You get a feeling wherever you go, whether good or bad. A place may seem fascinating, while another place may seem dull. It’s just a general feeling of you about the place. However, the different elements of the place can influence your senses and emotions.

Suppose you love to stay close to nature. In that case, you would love to go to places full of greenery, hills, seas, etc. such sites will give you a good vibe. But, on the other hand, if you go to a very crowded and clumsy city where everything seems deserted, you may not like it.

Below are some examples of how you can share your feelings about a place.

Example 1: I felt relaxed for the whole vacation staying here. The place helped me to rejuvenate myself.

Example 2: I didn’t enjoy the stay here at all. The rooms are very clumsy.

Are you looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English? You may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link) . This book creatively uses pictures and text in tandem to revolutionize English language learning, making it easier to understand and more effective overall.

To describe changes in a place over time, detail the differences observed in its physical features, atmosphere, or cultural aspects. Compare past and present states using descriptive language, noting alterations in architecture, environment, or social dynamics.

If you like a place, you may visit it again and again. Whenever you get some time, you go there to feel different and relaxed. However, the place you went to three years ago may not remain the same this year. So, if you describe a place you visit frequently, you can talk about the changes you notice now and then.

For example, suppose someone asks you about your hometown. In that case, you can talk about the changes since you have experienced the changes your town went through. For example, maybe your hometown was calm and quiet in your childhood, but now it has become noisy.

Now, let me share some examples that show how to talk about changes that occurred in a place.

Example 1: I visited my hometown last month after twelve years. In my childhood, there were so many playgrounds and open fields there. But now, most playgrounds are converted to parks, while mills and factories have occupied most open places.

Example 2: Though the city was historically primarily horizontal, you will see that most places have become vertical in recent years. There are multi-storied buildings here and there.

To make recommendations about a place, evaluate its features and suitability for various interests. Suggest activities or highlights based on personal experience and advise on the best time to visit, facilities, or cultural aspects, tailoring advice to the audience’s preferences.

Suppose someone new to your city has asked you about the places they would visit here. First, you should recommend places with short descriptions. Then, you can talk about their beauty, specialty, culture, and history.

You may also share the beauty and good things about any place you have visited with your friends. Then, you can recommend to them when to visit that place and what they would do and experience there.

The following examples show some words and phrases you can use to recommend a place while describing it in English.

Example 1: You must visit the longest natural seabeach in the world if you ever visit Bangladesh. This is a fantastic place to enjoy your vacation.

Example 2: Have you ever been to Sundarban? This is the most extensive mangrove forest in the world. I recommend you to visit this forest if you want to explore the true natural beauty.

Formal Setting: Two colleagues stand by the window during a coffee break in a high-rise corporate building with a panoramic view of the city. The cityscape below is a blend of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture.

Adrian: Clara, have you ever visited the old town part of the city?

Clara: No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet. How would you describe it?

Adrian: It’s a captivating blend of history and culture. The cobblestone streets are lined with ancient buildings, each with its own story. Some quaint little cafes and shops transport you to a bygone era. The city square is at the heart of the old town, bustling with artists, performers, and local vendors. It’s like stepping into a time capsule.

Clara: Sounds absolutely enchanting. I must make a point to visit soon.

Informal Setting: While relaxing on a porch, two friends chat about a recent trip to a serene coastal town.

Sarah: Mia, you won’t believe the beauty of Seaview Town!

Mia: Oh, tell me about it! I’m thinking of going there next month.

Sarah: It’s this perfect little seaside haven. Imagine soft golden sands stretching for miles, waves gently lapping the shore, and the distant call of seagulls. There’s a lighthouse at one end, and as you climb its spiral stairs, you get this breathtaking view of the horizon where the sea kisses the sky. The town itself has these charming blue and white cottages, seafood diners, and the air always smells slightly salty.

Mia: Wow, you painted such a vivid picture! I’m definitely booking my tickets.

Describing a place in English can be an enriching experience, allowing you to paint a vivid picture for your audience. By using descriptive adjectives, you create a solid general impression. Vivid visual imagery adds depth, making your description more engaging and relatable. Auditory imagery further immerses your listeners or readers into the environment you’re describing, while sharing your personal feelings adds a human touch, making your description more relatable and heartfelt.

Observing and articulating the changes in a place over time can offer a reflective and often insightful perspective. Making recommendations about the place can be beneficial for those planning to visit. The sample conversation included in the article provides a practical example of how to put all these techniques into practice.

Remember, the key is to engage all the senses, be observant, and express your genuine feelings and insights about the places you describe.

Welcome to the Describing a Place in English Quiz! This quiz will test your understanding of key phrases and strategies used to describe a place in English. Suitable for learners of all levels, these questions will help you improve your communication skills and ensure you can describe places effectively and confidently.

Before starting, make sure to read the related article on How to Describe a Place in English . This will help you get the most out of the quiz.

Great job done! For more practice, open the Quiz Bank .

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Start by giving a general overview, such as “This place is a small coastal town,” or “The area is a bustling city center.” This sets the context for your description.

Describe the location with phrases like, “Located in the heart of downtown,” or “Situated on the edge of a serene lake.” These phrases provide a clear picture of where the place is.

Describe the atmosphere by saying, “The town has a peaceful, relaxed vibe,” or “The market is always buzzing with activity.” This helps convey the feeling of the place.

Mention physical features with phrases like, “The park is full of lush greenery,” or “The city skyline is dotted with skyscrapers.” These details paint a vivid picture of the surroundings.

Describe architecture by saying, “The buildings are a mix of modern and colonial styles,” or “The area features historic stone houses.” This highlights the unique structural elements.

Describe the people by saying, “The locals are friendly and welcoming,” or “The area is known for its diverse population.” This provides insight into the community.

Mention the weather by saying, “The town enjoys mild, sunny weather year-round,” or “The region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.” This sets expectations for the climate.

Describe activities with phrases like, “There are plenty of hiking trails,” or “The city offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous clubs and bars.” This highlights things to do.

Describe cultural aspects by saying, “The town hosts several traditional festivals,” or “The city is famous for its art galleries and theaters.” This showcases the cultural richness.

Conclude by summarizing your overall impression, such as “Overall, it’s a charming place perfect for a relaxing getaway,” or “In summary, the city is a bustling hub of culture and activity.”

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Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."