a consistent account

USAGE SUMMARY

"a consistent account" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's version of events that doesn't change, or when referring to a record of something that remains the same. For example, "His lawyer argued that he had provided a consistent account of the events and should be released on bail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But it is unable to provide a consistent account of these incidents.

The Economist

"The information we received from them gave us a consistent account and timeline," said Nigeria researcher Mamkid Kamara.

The Guardian

As we stated in the programme, we carried out a series of interviews with her, in which she gave a consistent account".

The Guardian

It would be a while before Mrs. Cheney would provide a consistent account of what had happened that night, which she spent in the apartment with her 51-year-old daughter, Diane Wells.

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson said that Ms. Diallo, a Guinean immigrant, had told a consistent account that Mr. Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her and forced her to perform oral sex when she went to clean his suite in the Sofitel New York.

The New York Times

This is not merely what Mr Zimmerman "maintained" as you eventually and sceptically admitted, but is a consistent account that was verified in part by eyewitnesses, confirmed by the available forensic evidence and believed by both the investigating police and the jury.Instead, you poured oil on the fire by saying Mr Zimmerman "stalked" Mr Martin.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The programs use a consistent accounting system, which allows for comparison across programs.

BMC Health Services Research

Angiolini said officers, prosecutors and the public had to shed myths from "medieval" times about how victims behave, and get a better understanding of psychological factors that may leave those attacked not able to fight or shout, or with difficulty presenting a wholly consistent account.

The Guardian

But no election outcome will make much sense unless it simultaneously offers a new and consistent account of this nation's place in the wider world.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the cumulative body of biological knowledge increases, generating a comprehensive and consistent account of biology hinges upon the ability of scientists to draw upon and synthesize vast datasets across distributed digital resources.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

A reasonably coherent and consistent account has emerged of what led Gaddafi to the moment of capture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a consistent account" when you want to emphasize that a story, explanation, or set of data has remained the same over time and across different sources. This implies reliability and trustworthiness.

Common error

Don't assume that because an account is consistent, it is necessarily accurate. Consistency only means that the information hasn't changed, not that it is free from errors. Always verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consistent account" functions as a noun phrase, where "consistent" modifies "account". As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a version of events or a record that doesn't change. It is typically used to describe the quality of a narrative, explanation, or set of data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a consistent account" is a phrase used to describe a narrative, explanation, or data set that remains unchanged over time, implying reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, remember that consistency doesn't guarantee accuracy, and always verify information from multiple sources. Alternatives like "a coherent narrative" or "a uniform explanation" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a coherent narrative

Focuses on the clarity and logical connection of the story or explanation, rather than its consistency over time.

a uniform explanation

Emphasizes the lack of variation in the explanation provided.

an unchanging story

Highlights the absence of alterations in the narrative.

a stable report

Indicates that the details in the report have remained constant.

a reliable version

Suggests that the presented version is dependable and trustworthy.

a corroborating statement

Highlights the confirmation of a statement through additional evidence.

a validated account

Emphasizes that the account has been proven true or accurate.

a confirmed story

Indicates that the story has been verified.

a matching description

Focuses on the alignment between different descriptions.

an unvaried explanation

Highlights the lack of changes in the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a consistent account" to describe a narrative or explanation that has remained unchanged over time. For example, "The witness provided "a consistent account" of the events, which helped the jury believe her testimony."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a consistent account"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a coherent narrative", "a uniform explanation", or "an unchanging story", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a consistent account" and "an accurate account"?

Yes, "a consistent account" means the details have remained the same, while "an accurate account" means the details are true and correct. An account can be consistent without being accurate, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a consistent account"?

It's appropriate to use "a consistent account" when you want to highlight the fact that a particular version of events or set of information has not changed, suggesting reliability or trustworthiness. For example, when comparing different reports or witness statements.