account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a financial account, a narrative of events, or an explanation of something. Example: "Please provide a detailed account of the incident that occurred last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No matter what party a candidate represents, he has to take the current state of affairs into account".

The New York Times

He's done crucial research on language acquisition, and he offers an admirable account of syntax in his book, but it is unclear what he's talking about here.

The Economist

"People must be held to account for their actions under the rule of law and in the case of Mr Downey clearly a dreadful mistake was made by him receiving that letter".

The Guardian

Clinton first addressed the issue in March, shortly after transparency concerns were raised following reports that she used only a personal email account to conduct government business.

The Guardian

It's a serious hassle to shut down a bank account and transfer money to a new one, especially with direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and the like.

The Economist

She was a senior account director for the corporate real estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield in Manhattan.

The Guardian

He also misled both Barclays and the FCA by providing an account of events that was untruthful.

The Guardian - Business

Of course Paul Ryan's Bicep already has a Twitter account.

The Guardian

A more recent account of government failures agrees, calling it "the blunder to end all blunders".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is traditional to complain that comedy is overlooked in awards ceremonies — and I have done my own share of whingeing on this account — so it's great to see properly funny films rewarded in this way.

The Guardian - Film

Redactions marked in the text were made by the US government when Mohamedou Ould Slahi's diary was cleared for public release Listen to live and recorded readings by Brian Eno, Colin Firth and others, as well as a panel discussion with Slahi's lawyer and brother about this remarkable account of imprisonment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narrative writing, use "account" to signal a detailed and reliable description of events, enhancing the credibility of your storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "account" when "count" is more appropriate. "Account" refers to a record or explanation, while "count" refers to enumeration. For example, use "count the votes" instead of "account the votes".

Linguistic Context

The word "account" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a record of transactions or a narrative. As a verb, it means to explain or give a reason for something. This versatility is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "account" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb with distinct meanings. As a noun, it refers to financial records or a narrative, while as a verb, it signifies providing explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, including news, business, and science. Its frequency is very common, and understanding its nuanced usage is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrative

This alternative focuses on the recounting of events or details.

description

This refers to a detailed explanation or portrayal of something.

report

This suggests a formal presentation of information or findings.

explanation

This emphasizes providing reasons or causes for something.

version

This implies a particular telling or interpretation of events.

record

This highlights keeping track of data or events.

statement

This refers to a formal declaration or summary.

story

This is a more informal term for a narrative or recounting.

history

This concerns a chronological record of significant events.

chronicle

This suggests a detailed and continuous record of events.

FAQs

How can I use "account" in a sentence?

You can use "account" in various contexts. For example, "Please provide a detailed account of the incident", or "I need to open a bank account".

What are some alternatives to using "account"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "narrative", "description", or "explanation".

What's the difference between "account" and "report"?

"Account" often implies a more detailed and personal recounting, while "report" suggests a formal and objective presentation of information.

In what contexts is it best to use the word "account"?

"Account" is particularly useful when referring to financial records, detailed explanations of events, or when needing to justify actions.