a comprehensive tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comprehensive tale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a story that covers a wide range of details or aspects, providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Example: "The novel is a comprehensive tale of love, loss, and redemption that spans several generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I have no idea what the tablet will be called (Robin lays out a comprehensive tale of why it may be the "iSlate"), what its specs will be, or how much it will cost.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shortly after this lecture, I purchased a book entitled Dead Men Do Tell Tales--a comprehensive, autobiographical account of Dr. Maples's career.

Science Magazine

Mr Congdon (1998) concedes that EMU "can work if it leads quickly to a comprehensive scheme of European political union".And thereby hangs a tale.

The Economist

The Tale of Genji, however, differed in being informed by a comprehensive knowledge of Chinese and Japanese poetry and in being a graceful work of imaginative fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Persepolis doesn't seek to be a comprehensive account of life under the Shah; rather, it's Marji's tale, a typical girl in an atypical world.

The Guardian - Film

(A comprehensive one).

The New Yorker

I want a comprehensive deal.

The New York Times

"We conducted a comprehensive review.

Independent

He attended a comprehensive.

The Guardian

A comprehensive boy.

The Guardian - Books

This will provide a comprehensive overview".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a comprehensive tale", ensure the narrative truly covers a wide range of aspects and provides a thorough understanding of the subject matter to justify the descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "a comprehensive tale" if the story only touches upon a few elements or lacks depth. This can mislead the audience and undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive tale" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'comprehensive' modifies 'tale', indicating the story is thorough and detailed. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive tale" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a story that is thorough and detailed. Ludwig indicates it is suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the narrative truly covers a wide range of aspects to justify the description, and avoid overstating the comprehensiveness if the story lacks depth. Consider alternatives like "an exhaustive narrative" or "a detailed account" depending on the specific context you need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhaustive narrative

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the story.

a detailed account

Focuses on the presence of many specifics and particulars.

a thorough history

Implies a meticulous and complete examination of past events.

a complete story

Highlights the absence of missing parts or gaps in the narrative.

an in-depth report

Suggests a profound and insightful exploration of the topic.

a wide-ranging story

Indicates that the story covers a variety of topics or aspects.

a far-reaching narrative

Implies the story has significant implications or consequences.

a sweeping saga

Conveys a sense of grandeur and epic scope.

a panoramic overview

Suggests a comprehensive view from a broad perspective.

an all-encompassing chronicle

Highlights the story's ability to include all relevant elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a comprehensive tale" in a sentence?

You can use "a comprehensive tale" to describe a story that covers a wide range of details or aspects, providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter. For example, "The novel is "a comprehensive tale" of love, loss, and redemption that spans several generations."

What are some alternatives to "a comprehensive tale"?

Alternatives include "an exhaustive narrative", "a detailed account", or "a thorough history" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a comprehensive tale"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the story you are describing is thorough, detailed, and covers a wide range of aspects related to the subject matter.

Is "a comprehensive tale" formal or informal?

"A comprehensive tale" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and style of your writing. It's generally considered neutral in terms of formality.