a full account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a full account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comprehensive or detailed report or explanation of an event or situation. Example: "The investigator provided a full account of the incident during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(John Cassidy has a full account).

The New Yorker

Read a full account of the ascent.

The Guardian

She provides a full account of his life.

The New Yorker

Investigators are waiting to take a full account from Shipstone.

The Guardian

(For a full account of Marxist philosophy, see Marxism).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I gave a full account at [the] Leveson [inquiry].

The Guardian

(For a full account of the congress, read this).

The New York Times

A full account of Operation Payback and its "major shitstorm" is available here.

The Guardian

(See Martin Stannard's biography for a full account of her departure).

The Guardian - Books

A full account of the strike of 1984/85 is still to be written.

The Guardian

A full account of all of this will one day be given, but not yet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a full account" when you want to convey that all aspects of a situation or event have been thoroughly examined and reported. It is effective in formal writing and when completeness is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "a full account" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler term like "the whole story" or "all the details" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a full account" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., give, provide, read) or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to a comprehensive or detailed report or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a full account" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a comprehensive and detailed report or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its formality ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for news reports, scientific papers, and detailed analyses. While extremely useful, be mindful not to overuse it in casual contexts where simpler language would suffice. Consider alternatives like "a detailed explanation" or "a comprehensive report" to suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive report

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the report.

a detailed explanation

Focuses on the level of detail provided in the explanation.

a complete record

Highlights the inclusion of all relevant information and data.

an exhaustive account

Suggests a very thorough and comprehensive report.

a thorough description

Stresses the depth and detail of the description.

a comprehensive overview

Implies a wide-ranging and complete summary.

an in-depth analysis

Focuses on a deep and thorough examination of a subject.

a blow-by-blow description

Implies a very detailed, moment-by-moment account.

a minute account

Highlights the inclusion of even the smallest details.

a total disclosure

Emphasizes that all relevant information is revealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a full account" to indicate a comprehensive and detailed report or explanation. For example, "The investigation provided "a full account" of the incident."

What is a good alternative to "a full account"?

Alternatives include "a detailed explanation", "a comprehensive report", or "a complete record". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "full account" or "complete account"?

"Full account" and "complete account" are similar, but "full account" often emphasizes thoroughness and detail, while "complete account" highlights the inclusion of all necessary information. Context dictates the better choice.

What does it mean to give "a full account" of something?

To give "a full account" means to provide a detailed and thorough explanation or report, leaving no important aspects unaddressed. It suggests that all relevant information is included.