a thorough account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and comprehensive description or report of an event, situation, or topic. Example: "The journalist provided a thorough account of the events leading up to the election, ensuring that all perspectives were represented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Lavergne wrote a thorough account of Whitman's murders, A Sniper in the Tower, in 1997.

The Guardian

(The Web site Alaska Dispatch has a thorough account of how he got started).

The New Yorker

(Professor Deborah Pearlstein, of Cardozo Law, has given a thorough account of this history).

The New Yorker

Her book is a thorough account of two not always scintillating people.

The New York Times - Books

The most damaging aspect of the report would be a thorough account of Trump's efforts to obstruct justice.

The Washington Post

Two of our finest business journalists have written a thorough account of the origins of the financial crisis of 2008.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A thorough accounting of how such considerations interact is key to planning our future energy systems.

The New York Times

The panel has a responsibility to surprise the nation, and certainly the House, by producing a thorough accounting of what truly happened.

The New York Times

For the people of this country, the Iraqi Special Tribunal could open the door for a thorough accounting of the crimes committed by his notoriously repressive government.

The New York Times

Tax returns should have been only the baseline for transparency; a thorough accounting of his business arrangements and possible conflicts of interest was also needed.

The Washington Post

"When a thorough accounting of the organization's affairs are completed, it is our position that it will show all transactions were lawful," Ms. Savage's lawyer, Phil Solages, said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for credibility in your writing, use "a thorough account" to signal that you've delved deeply into the subject matter and considered all angles.

Common error

Avoid substituting "through" for "thorough". "Thorough" implies completeness, while "through" indicates movement or passage. Using "through" incorrectly diminishes the intended meaning of comprehensiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough account" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies the noun "account". It describes the quality or nature of the account, indicating its completeness and detail. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to denote comprehensive reports or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough account" is a noun phrase used to describe a detailed and comprehensive report or description. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts such as news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While generally neutral, its usage tends toward the formal, indicating a commitment to completeness and detail. To ensure clarity and avoid common errors, remember to use "thorough" instead of "through", and consider related phrases like "a comprehensive report" or "a detailed analysis" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive report

Replaces "account" with "report", suggesting a more formal and structured presentation of information.

a detailed analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect, highlighting an in-depth examination of the subject.

a complete explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and comprehensiveness of the explanation.

an exhaustive study

Indicates a very detailed and comprehensive examination of a topic.

a full exposition

Suggests a formal and detailed presentation of information or an idea.

an in-depth examination

Highlights the depth of the investigation or analysis.

a meticulous record

Focuses on the accuracy and detail of the documented information.

a scrupulous documentation

Emphasizes the care and rigor in documenting the details.

a comprehensive overview

Offers a broad yet detailed summary of a topic.

a painstaking narrative

Indicates a detailed and carefully constructed story or explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough account" to describe a detailed report or explanation. For instance, "The historian provided "a thorough account" of the war's origins".

What can I say instead of "a thorough account"?

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive report", "a detailed analysis", or "a complete explanation" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a thorough account" or "a through account"?

"A thorough account" is correct. "Thorough" means complete and detailed, while "through" refers to moving in one side and out of the other side of (something). Using "through" in this context is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "a thorough account" and "a brief overview"?

"A thorough account" implies a comprehensive and detailed explanation, while "a brief overview" suggests a concise summary without extensive details. The choice depends on the level of detail required.