a broad account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general or comprehensive description of a subject or situation. Example: "The report provides a broad account of the economic impacts of climate change on various industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Italian newspapers carried detailed accounts of his interrogation on Friday, in which he was described as giving a broad account of his involvement on July 21.

The New York Times

Offering a broad account of Algeria's handling of the operation, he told lawmakers: "We were not informed of this in advance.

The New York Times

Alison Levitt, chief legal adviser at the Crown Prosecution Service, traced the scope of what lies ahead with a broad account on Tuesday of the number of confirmed victims of the phone hacking — more than 600, by the prosecutors' count.

The New York Times

A broad account of probabilities and utilities takes them to indicate attitudes toward propositions.

SEP

This entry attempts to provide a broad account of the many ways in which "relativism" has been defined, explained, defended and criticized.

SEP

Feminists, however, at least according to popular discourse, are ready to both adopt a broad account of what justice for women would require and interpret everyday situations as unjust by the standards of that account.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The request is the first known request from a top White House official for a broad accounting of the spreading impact of the shutdown, which has entered its fifth week and is the longest in U.S. history.

The Washington Post

While Mr. Duncan's testimony about transactions at Enron would provide a defense against a broad accounting fraud case, it may well be used by the government to tailor any potential charges they decide to bring in the future, legal experts said.

The New York Times

No survivor was able to give a broader account of what happened on that moonless night.

The New York Times

The story of this monument is set within a broader account of Georgian urban planning.

Journal of Historical Geography

Woven into all these personal stories is a broader account of Britain's empire, with London as its center.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure your "a broad account" /s/general+overview covers essential information without getting bogged down in excessive details. Use it when the goal is to provide a general understanding rather than an exhaustive analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad account" when detailed information is necessary. Instead, opt for a more specific and in-depth analysis that addresses nuances and complexities, ensuring the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad account" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase accurately describes a general or comprehensive summary of a subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad account" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a general or comprehensive overview of a topic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to provide essential information without getting lost in excessive details, making it suitable for scenarios where a general understanding is the goal. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts, its overall register is relatively neutral, making it versatile for various writing styles. Remember to consider the level of detail required by your audience to determine whether "a broad account" or a more specific description is most appropriate. If you need alternatives, consider using "a general overview" or "a comprehensive summary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive narrative

This alternative emphasizes the completeness and storytelling aspect of the description.

a detailed explanation

Focuses on providing specifics and thoroughness in the account.

a general overview

Highlights the summary nature of the account, covering main points without deep dives.

a sweeping portrayal

Conveys a sense of breadth and grandeur in the description.

a wide-ranging analysis

Suggests the account covers many different aspects of the subject.

an expansive summary

Highlights the extensive nature of the recap.

a holistic interpretation

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and completeness of understanding.

an inclusive report

Focuses on encompassing all relevant elements in the account.

a thorough depiction

Underscores the exhaustiveness and accuracy of the representation.

an elaborate account

Highlights the complexity and richness of the description.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad account" to describe something that provides a general overview of a topic. For example: "The book offers "a broad account" of the history of the Roman Empire."

What's the difference between "a broad account" and "a detailed account"?

"A broad account" offers a general overview, while "a detailed account" provides specific and thorough information. Choose the appropriate phrase based on the level of depth required for your explanation.

What are some alternatives to using "a broad account"?

You can use alternatives like "a general overview", "a comprehensive summary", or "a wide-ranging analysis" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a broad account" in academic writing?

While "a broad account" is acceptable, consider if a more specific phrase like "a thorough examination" or "an exhaustive study" might be more suitable depending on the required level of detail.