a precise account of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a precise account of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something in detail and accurately. For example, "The historian provided a precise account of how the battle was won."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

When carried through successfully, however, it yields a "just definition"—a precise account of the troublesome idea's content.

SEP

But in his lengthy statement, Mr. Barksdale provides, for the first time, a precise account of what he says occurred at the meeting.

The New York Times

A precise account of what has happened in the villages of Oberhessen alone during the last four weeks would make a terrible story.

The Guardian

We will represent such patterns symbolically, and give a precise account of which patterns ensure deductive goodness and which do not.

University of California, Berkeley

It may thus be reasoned that, if a precise account of the intuitive usages of sets by mathematicians is given, an adequate and correct foundation will result.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, generally a precise account of maintenance life-cycle cost analysis is not performed in the design stages of a highway.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There will never be a precise accounting of how many Rwandans were massacred between April and July 1994.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hayakawa said the bid committee had not received a precise accounting of how Tan spent the money.

The Guardian - Sport

Until now, a precise accounting of how Russian officials could have executed such a complex doping operation was not publicly known.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither the Army nor the Navy would provide a precise accounting of all of the cases now regarded as confirmed or suspected homicide.

The New York Times

The primary triumph of the rally was to provide a precise accounting of how many Grévy's zebras still exist, Rubenstein said.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precise account of" when you want to emphasize the accuracy and detail of a description or explanation. This phrase is useful in academic, scientific, and formal writing where clarity and exactness are important.

Common error

Avoid using "a precise account of" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a detailed description" or "an accurate explanation" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precise account of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It denotes a detailed and accurate explanation or record, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a precise account of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, typically employed to indicate a detailed and accurate description or explanation. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase finds its primary use in formal contexts such as science, academia, and news media. While alternatives such as "a detailed explanation of" or "an accurate description of" may be suitable in less formal settings, "a precise account of" carries a distinct emphasis on thoroughness and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed explanation of

Focuses on providing a thorough explanation rather than just a record.

an accurate description of

Emphasizes the correctness and truthfulness of the description.

a thorough analysis of

Highlights the comprehensive and in-depth nature of the analysis.

a meticulous record of

Stresses the careful and detailed nature of the record-keeping.

an exact portrayal of

Implies a faithful and accurate representation.

a comprehensive overview of

Suggests a broad and complete summary of a topic.

a faithful rendition of

Focuses on the loyalty and accuracy in recreating something.

a clear exposition of

Emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding in the explanation.

a rigorous examination of

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of the examination.

a complete inventory of

Stresses a full and exhaustive list of items or details.

FAQs

How can I use "a precise account of" in a sentence?

You can use "a precise account of" to indicate a detailed and accurate description or explanation. For example, "The historian provided "a precise account of" the events leading up to the war".

What are some alternatives to "a precise account of"?

Alternatives include "a detailed explanation of", "an accurate description of", or "a thorough analysis of", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a precise account of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a precise account of" in formal writing, academic papers, scientific reports, or any situation where accuracy and detail are crucial. It's less suitable for informal communication.

What makes "a precise account of" different from a simple "description"?

While a "description" can be general, "a precise account of" implies a high level of accuracy, detail, and thoroughness. It suggests that the description is carefully constructed and reliable.