a straightforward account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a straightforward account" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a clear and uncomplicated explanation or narrative of events or information. Example: "The report provided a straightforward account of the project's progress, making it easy for stakeholders to understand the current status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A new movie on Lifetime about Philip Markoff, the Craigslist Killer, is a straightforward account.

The New York Times

What is missing, strangely, is a straightforward account of the band's greatest work.

The New Yorker

She always wanted the funny or the wry side of a story, never a straightforward account.

Independent

The head of the Secret Service, Julia Pierson, should be asked why there wasn't a straightforward account of the intrusion.

The New Yorker

When I first saw it, I thought it was a straightforward account of the Rolling Stones' 1969 concert at Altamont.

The Guardian - Film

Appelfeld uses faith to add mystery to what would otherwise be a straightforward account of one boy's miserable childhood.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Annoyed, we now adopted a passive-aggressive strategy: If they would not give us a straightforward accounting, we would not bother to send in a check.

The New York Times

Delay estimates previously have used a straightforward accounting method, assuming, for example, that if a plane is delayed 10 minutes and it had 100 passengers, then the delay to passengers would simply be 1,000 minutes.

University of California, Berkeley

Characters tend to develop strangely (or not at all); settings are sometimes created from a fusillade of petty-seeming details that can collectively avoid a straightforward accounting of the basic proscenium stage of action.

The Guardian - Books

Her work shows that what makes a school "good" or "bad" does not lie in a straightforward accounting of traditional school data.

University of Chicago

The possibility of transcendent evil is felt with great force in "The Molecule's Defiance" (1980), a seemingly straightforward account of a night at a factory that grows sinister when a vast batch of resin forms a single monster-molecule and bursts free of its container.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a straightforward account" when you want to convey that information is presented in a clear, uncomplicated, and easily understandable manner. It implies a lack of hidden agendas or complex interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a straightforward account" when describing situations involving multifaceted issues or complex data analysis. The phrase suggests simplicity, which may not accurately reflect the depth or intricacy of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward account" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a type of narrative or explanation that is clear, uncomplicated, and easy to understand. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a straightforward account" is a noun phrase denoting a clear, uncomplicated explanation or narrative. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's best suited for describing simple, easily understandable information, avoiding overuse in situations demanding intricate analysis. Alternative phrases like "a clear explanation" or "an uncomplicated narrative" may offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Ultimately, using "a straightforward account" implies clarity, honesty, and ease of comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear explanation

Focuses on the clarity of the explanation rather than the narrative aspect.

an uncomplicated narrative

Emphasizes the simplicity of the story or account.

a direct description

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the depiction.

a simple rendition

Suggests a basic and unembellished version of events.

a plain narration

Emphasizes the lack of ornamentation in the storytelling.

a factual report

Stresses the accuracy and truthfulness of the information.

an objective summary

Highlights the impartiality of the overview.

a concise overview

Focuses on the brevity and completeness of the summary.

a transparent depiction

Emphasizes the honesty and openness of the representation.

an honest portrayal

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of the account.

FAQs

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

You can use "a straightforward account" to describe a narrative or explanation that is clear and easy to understand. For example, "The historian provided "a straightforward account" of the events leading up to the war."

What phrases are similar to "a straightforward account"?

Similar phrases include "a clear explanation", "an uncomplicated narrative", or "a direct description". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a straightforward account" or "a complex account"?

The choice depends on the nature of the subject matter. Use "a straightforward account" when the information is simple and easily understood. Use "a complex account" when the information is intricate and requires deeper analysis.

What does "a straightforward account" imply about the information presented?

Using "a straightforward account" implies that the information is presented without bias, hidden agendas, or complicated interpretations. It suggests clarity, honesty, and ease of understanding.