a brief account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing information or providing a short description of an event or situation. Example: "In her report, she provided a brief account of the project's progress over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief account of cartoons follows.

Britannica

A brief account of George Myro's life and work follows.

University of California, Berkeley

A Brief Account of the Construction, Management, and Discipline &c.

Cornell University

Here is a brief account of selected topics.

University of California, Berkeley

This chapter gives a brief account of neural networks in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Artificial Intelligence

The first part is a brief account of his life and his professional career and achievements.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

(1) Sir Isaac Newton: a Brief Account of his Life and Work.

Nature

In March, Meserole and McCants published a brief account of their findings in Foreign Affairs.

The New Yorker

According to a brief account published by the inquiry, he met his third wife while undercover.

The Guardian

Mr. Taylor gave a brief account of what happened at the parade on Sunday.

The New York Times

Leavitt's book is basically a brief account of the expat life of the city.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief account" when you need to provide essential information without going into extensive detail. This is especially useful in introductions or summaries.

Common error

Avoid adding too much detailed information after promising "a brief account". Keep the information concise and focused on the main points, otherwise you might mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief account" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a summary or short description of something. It's used to signal to the audience that what follows will be a concise overview. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts like news reports and scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief account" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a concise summary or description. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, remember to keep your account focused on the main points to avoid overwhelming the audience. Alternatives such as "a short summary" or "a concise description" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. With its frequent use and clear meaning, "a brief account" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short summary

Focuses on the summarizing aspect, implying a condensed version of something.

a concise description

Emphasizes the succinct and clear nature of the description.

a quick overview

Highlights the speed and general nature of the presentation.

a short narrative

Implies a story-like format that is shorter in length.

a succinct report

Highlights both conciseness and factual nature of what is being reported.

an outline

Implies a structural overview with key points.

a summary

Implies a general summary of the main points.

a snapshot

Highlights a quick, focused look at a particular moment or aspect.

a sketch

Suggests a preliminary or incomplete account, focusing on the essential elements.

a rundown

Suggests an informal, quick presentation of information.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief account" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief account" to introduce a concise summary or description of something. For example, "Here's a brief account of the events leading up to the decision."

What are some alternatives to "a brief account"?

You can use alternatives like "a short summary", "a concise description", or "a quick overview" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief account" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief account" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "a brief account" and "a detailed explanation"?

"A brief account" provides a concise overview, while "a detailed explanation" offers a thorough and comprehensive analysis. Use "a brief account" when brevity is needed and a detailed understanding is not required.