a thorough account of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a thorough account of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is giving a comprehensive overview of something. For example: "In his presentation, John gave a thorough account of the company's financial activity over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 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

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

Lennard Bickel, the author of "Mawson's Will," which has recently been reissued in paperback, has written a thorough account of the Ross Sea party.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

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

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

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

"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

Society will demand inquiries into alleged instances of corruption and, at long last, a thorough accounting of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre of students and other protesters by troops in Mexico City.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thorough account of" to introduce a section or work that provides detailed information on a specific topic. For example, begin with: "This chapter offers "a thorough account of"...".

Common error

While "a thorough account of" is useful, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive overview" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough account of" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves to introduce a detailed and comprehensive explanation or description of a particular subject. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it often precedes a subject that is about to be explored in depth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough account of" is a phrase used to indicate a comprehensive and detailed explanation or description. It's considered grammatically correct and enjoys common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. According to Ludwig, this phrase suggests a comprehensive overview, confirming its role in setting expectations for in-depth information. When writing, use it to signal your intention to provide a complete and detailed presentation of a topic, but be mindful of overusing it; consider synonyms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive overview". Ludwig's AI reinforces the phrase's correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive explanation of

Replaces "account" with "explanation", emphasizing the clarity and understanding provided.

a detailed description of

Substitutes "thorough" with "detailed", highlighting the level of specificity.

an exhaustive analysis of

Emphasizes the completeness of the analysis.

a complete rundown of

More informal, implying a full and detailed summary.

a full exposition of

Suggests a formal and systematic presentation of information.

an in-depth examination of

Highlights a deep and careful investigation.

a meticulous report on

Emphasizes the accuracy and attention to detail in the reporting.

a painstaking investigation into

Focuses on the diligent and careful nature of the inquiry.

a broad overview of

Implies a wide-ranging summary covering key aspects.

a systematic review of

Indicates an organized and methodical assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough account of" to introduce a comprehensive explanation or description of a topic. For example: "The book provides "a thorough account of" the events leading up to the revolution."

What is a synonym for "a thorough account of"?

Synonyms for "a thorough account of" include "comprehensive analysis", "detailed explanation", and "exhaustive report". These alternatives emphasize the depth and completeness of the information provided.

Is it better to say "a thorough account of" or "a comprehensive account of"?

Both "a thorough account of" and "a comprehensive account of" are valid and often interchangeable. "Thorough" emphasizes attention to detail, while "comprehensive" stresses completeness. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a summary of" and "a thorough account of"?

A "summary of" provides a brief overview of the main points, whereas "a thorough account of" offers an in-depth and detailed examination of the subject matter. The latter is far more exhaustive.