a general account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or overall description or explanation of a subject or situation. Example: "In her report, she provided a general account of the project's progress over the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does, however, provide a general account of the inter-agency cooperation the FEA is using to generate the aforementioned reports.

Cornell University

Give me a general account.

The New York Times

To get a general account of the event they have to read the newspapers.

The New Yorker

His father works in New York as a general account manager at the Xerox.

The New York Times

Mr. Landry said donations were put into a general account, but he declined to say how the money was spent.

The New York Times

For a general account of the biology of Metopaulias depressus, including the existence of family groups and overlapping generations, see Diesel, R. 1989.

The New York Times

This last is a thesis about language, not about nature, and is based upon a general account of meaning and of meaninglessness.

Britannica

As such, the theory eliminates traditional objections concerning the obscure nature of facts and the mysterious relation of correspondence by avoiding even the appearance of a general account.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not really a general account of the fortunes and misfortunes of Jews under Muslim rule from the seventh century until the present day.

Independent

There is a general account of the Nazi empire and of the development of German occupation policies, and the book also covers German foreign policy 1933-1945.

Stanford University

Attempts to give a general account of English law in terms of its guiding principles were repeated time and time again.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a general account" when you need to provide a high-level summary or explanation without delving into intricate details. It sets the stage for further, more specific discussions.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a general account" if the context demands precise information. Always consider supplementing it with specific examples or data to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general account" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a summary, overview, or broad description, and Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form. For example, "This is not really a general account of the fortunes and misfortunes of Jews under Muslim rule from the seventh century until the present day."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

25%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general account" is grammatically correct and very common in written English. According to Ludwig, it is used to provide a broad or overall description or explanation of a subject or situation. It frequently appears in academic, scientific, and news media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "a broad overview" or "a comprehensive summary". While "a general account" is useful for introducing a topic, it should be supplemented with specific details when necessary to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general overview

Similar to a broad overview, but may imply a slightly more structured approach.

a broad overview

Focuses on providing a wide-ranging perspective, often lacking specific details.

an overall picture

Focuses on the holistic view rather than individual components.

a comprehensive summary

Emphasizes completeness and conciseness in presenting the main points.

a concise report

Emphasizes brevity and clarity in presenting information.

a detailed description

Highlights thoroughness and attention to specifics.

a summary explanation

Conveys a brief and simplified account of something.

a basic outline

Suggests a simple structure without in-depth information.

a rough sketch

Implies an initial and unrefined description.

a surface-level examination

Suggests a cursory investigation without deep analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general account" to introduce a summary or overview, as in "The report provides "a general account" of the company's financial performance."

What are some alternatives to saying "a general account"?

Alternatives include "a broad overview", "a comprehensive summary", or "a detailed description", depending on the level of detail you want to convey.

Is it better to provide "a general account" or a detailed analysis?

It depends on the purpose and audience. "A general account" is suitable for providing a basic understanding, while a detailed analysis is necessary for in-depth exploration and critical evaluation.

What's the difference between "a general account" and "a specific account"?

"A general account" offers a broad overview, while "a specific account" focuses on particular details or aspects. The choice depends on the level of granularity required.