a comprehensive history of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comprehensive history of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an extensive and detailed account of a particular subject or topic. Example: "The book provides a comprehensive history of the civil rights movement in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A comprehensive history of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Washington Post

What's Cooking America (//whatscookingamerica.net/History/IceCream/Sundae.htm) offers a comprehensive history of the ice cream sundae.

The New York Times

However, a comprehensive history of cold war aerial reconnaissance remains to be written.

The New York Times - Books

The museum offers a comprehensive history of American ships and shipping.

The New York Times

The result is a comprehensive history of human interaction with the land.

The New Yorker

Yet we lack a comprehensive history of the role of African-Americans in research.

The New York Times - Books

DONALD KEENE first conceived the idea of a comprehensive history of Japanese literature 25 years ago.

The New York Times - Books

Effective treatment is only a very recent development.Mr Dormandy offers a comprehensive history of the disease.

The Economist

The American Classic Arcade Museum might disappoint those seeking a comprehensive history of video arcades.

The New York Times - Arts

A comprehensive history of Palestine compiled by Abd Al-Rahman Al-Muzeen.

Columbia University

Professor Nguyen is currently working on a comprehensive history of the 1968 Tet Offensive for RandomHouse.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to signal that you intend to offer a complete and thorough overview. This helps set expectations for your audience regarding the depth of coverage.

Common error

Avoid labeling your work as "a comprehensive history of" something if you haven't explored all the key aspects and perspectives. Readers will expect a complete picture, and failing to deliver can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive history of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a detailed and exhaustive account of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive history of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signals a detailed and exhaustive account of a particular subject. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure your coverage is thorough and balanced to meet the expectations of your audience. Alternatives like "a detailed account of" or "a complete record of" can be considered depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a full-scale history of

Indicates a comprehensive approach to recounting past events, emphasizing its large scope.

a comprehensive study of

Stresses academic or scholarly nature of the historical inquiry.

a detailed account of

Focuses on the level of detail provided rather than the breadth of coverage.

an exhaustive treatment of

Highlights the completeness and thoroughness of the historical narrative.

an in-depth analysis of

Emphasizes analytical perspective rather than a chronological narrative.

a thorough examination of

Suggests a careful and meticulous investigation into the past.

a complete record of

Highlights the inclusiveness of the historical documentation.

a systematic overview of

Focuses on the structured and organized presentation of historical information.

a broad survey of

Implies a wide-ranging but possibly less detailed examination of a topic's history.

a panoramic view of

Suggests a wide-ranging perspective that captures the essence of the historical period.

FAQs

How can I use "a comprehensive history of" in a sentence?

You can use "a comprehensive history of" to introduce an extensive and detailed account of a particular subject, for example, "This book provides "a comprehensive history of" the Roman Empire".

What are some alternatives to "a comprehensive history of"?

Alternatives include "a detailed account of", "an in-depth analysis of", or "a complete record of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a comprehensive history of" differ from "a brief overview of"?

"A comprehensive history of" implies a thorough and exhaustive examination, whereas "a brief overview of" suggests a more concise and less detailed summary. The former is extensive, while the latter is introductory.

Is it always necessary to provide "a comprehensive history of" a topic?

No, providing "a comprehensive history of" a topic is not always necessary. The level of detail required depends on the purpose and scope of your writing. Sometimes a summary or overview is more appropriate.