account of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a description or explanation of an event, situation, or experience. Example: "She gave a detailed account of her travels through Europe, highlighting the cultures and experiences she encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It can also mean speech, reason (in Latin, ratio) or giving an account of something.

The New York Times

It is wrong to think of this solely as an account of something that is wrong in Kenya.

The Guardian - Opinion

I really like how the show repurposes the ironies of ordinary life as a straightforward account of something much worse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On account of something they had once seen on "Oprah" or "Larry King Live" where Jenny McCarthy inveighed against vaccines?

The Washington Post

Ince is booed by the West Ham fans on account of something his father, Paul, did 15-odd years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

It should be obvious that in a flooded river there will be debris, but it appears the system didn't take account of something that should be obvious".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

One account spoke of something still more grotesque, of prisoners being killed at the last moment with lethal injections.

The New York Times

As the title suggests, "Lonely" is an account of loneliness, something which, White writes, "I was born into, something that claimed me as its own".

The New Yorker

At the most superficial level this is so because the process of writing in any discipline is tripartite: one must have and organize something to say, one must construct an linguistic account of that "something," and one must put that account to paper.

Science Magazine

He desperately wants to find a non-circular account of preferences, something better than "People like this kind of thing because this is the kind of thing that they or people around them, or people who are supposed to know like," but he has to admit defeat.

The New Yorker

You might need to give an account of what something looked like, or what happened.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "account of something", ensure the context is clear and the type of account (e.g., factual, personal, historical) is appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "account of something" in formal writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "explanation", "report", or "analysis" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "account of something" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a description, explanation, or report regarding a specific event, situation, or topic. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "account of something" is a versatile phrase used to describe a narrative, explanation, or report about a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds common usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "description of something" or "explanation of something" exist, the specific choice depends on the intended nuance. When incorporating "account of something" into your writing, clarity and context are key to ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

description of something

Focuses on providing descriptive details rather than a comprehensive explanation.

explanation of something

Emphasizes clarifying the reasons or causes behind an event or phenomenon.

report on something

Suggests a more formal and structured presentation of information.

narrative of something

Highlights the storytelling aspect, often focusing on personal experiences or events.

version of something

Implies a particular perspective or interpretation of an event.

portrayal of something

Focuses on how something is represented or depicted, often artistically or creatively.

recollection of something

Emphasizes the act of remembering and recounting past events.

record of something

Suggests a documented or official account, often for historical or archival purposes.

chronicle of something

Implies a detailed and chronological account of events over time.

understanding of something

Focuses on comprehension and interpretation rather than a simple recounting of facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "account of something" to describe a narrative, explanation, or report. For example, "She provided a detailed account of the incident" or "His account of the events differed from the official report."

What are some alternatives to "account of something"?

Alternatives include "description of something", "explanation of something", or "report on something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "account of something" or "account about something"?

"Account of something" is the correct and more common usage. "Account about something" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "account of something" and "understanding of something"?

"Account of something" typically refers to a narration or report, whereas "understanding of something" focuses on comprehension or insight. An "account of something" provides details, while an "understanding of something" provides interpretation.