a complete account of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete account of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a thorough and detailed description or explanation of a particular subject or event. Example: "The report provides a complete account of the project's progress and outcomes over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Suppose you were to be asked to write a complete account of a day at school.

The Guardian - Books

That list isn't even a complete account of all the business on lawmakers' agenda.

The Washington Post

But, he said, that was because the list was not a complete account of Trump's gifts.

The Washington Post

His memoirs, published in 1782, give a complete account of his career to that date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(For a complete account of domestic gallinaceous birds, see poultry farming).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may well be that physical science will ultimately give us a complete account of reality.

The New York Times

We give a complete account of when Dirichiet domains are finite-sided.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Eugene Boyle, the managing director of Momart, was yesterday unable to give a complete account of the works.

The Guardian

MATTATHIAS SCHWARTZ: I did the very best I could to give a complete account of the movement's origins.

The New Yorker

By this reckoning we'll have a complete account of the run-up to the Iraq war sometime in the 2030s.

The Guardian

The task was almost unendurable – and he didn't think a complete account of his life would be any more fun.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "a complete account of". In contexts where brevity is valued, summarize key information, linking to the detailed account for interested readers.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming readers with minutiae. While aiming for completeness, prioritize relevance and significance. Focus on including essential details that contribute to understanding the subject, rather than every single piece of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete account of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It indicates the provision of a detailed and thorough explanation or description. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete account of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signals a thorough and detailed explanation or description. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating its versatility and acceptance across various registers. While aiming for completeness is valuable, be mindful of your audience and prioritize relevance to avoid overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. Alternatives such as "a thorough explanation of" or "a comprehensive overview of" can be suitable depending on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough explanation of

Focuses more on clarifying and detailing the reasons or causes behind something, rather than just a record of events.

a comprehensive overview of

Implies a broad and inclusive summary, potentially covering various aspects but possibly lacking deep detail.

a detailed record of

Suggests a factual and sequential listing of events or data, emphasizing accuracy and chronological order.

a full exposition of

Emphasizes a systematic and elaborate presentation of a subject, often used in academic or intellectual contexts.

a meticulous analysis of

Highlights a careful and thorough examination, with attention to detail and potential scrutiny.

a comprehensive report on

Suggests a formal and structured presentation of findings, often used in professional or investigative contexts.

an exhaustive treatment of

Indicates that a subject is dealt with very thoroughly and completely, leaving little or nothing unexamined.

a panoramic view of

Offers a wide-ranging perspective, suggesting breadth and scope rather than minute detail.

a rounded discussion of

It points towards a more balanced and impartial examination of the different aspects

a broad interpretation of

It indicates a subjective perspective in the explanation

FAQs

How can I use "a complete account of" in a sentence?

Use "a complete account of" to introduce a detailed explanation or record of something. For example, "The historian aimed to provide "a complete account of" the events leading up to the revolution".

What are some alternatives to "a complete account of"?

You can use alternatives like "a thorough explanation of", "a comprehensive overview of", or "a detailed record of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide "a complete account of" something?

No, providing "a complete account of" is not always necessary. Sometimes a summary or overview is sufficient. Consider your audience and purpose to determine the appropriate level of detail.

What distinguishes "a complete account of" from "a summary of"?

"A complete account of" implies a thorough and detailed examination, while "a summary of" offers a condensed version of the main points. The former is exhaustive, whereas the latter is selective.