account was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a report or explanation that has been provided regarding a particular situation or event. Example: "In the meeting, an account was given of the project's progress and the challenges faced by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A similar account was given by Ben Daughdrill, a customer of Garrido's printing business.

The Guardian

That account was given to The Times by a friend of both men.

The New York Times

The account was given by two law enforcement officials from Maryland and three federal officials involved in the case.

The New York Times

In 2003, $25,000 from the Torricelli for U.S. Senate account was given to Silver State Victory 2004, the committee coordinating the Democratic effort in Nevada that year.

The New York Times

The girl's account was given to police and the video recording of the interview was played at the former Sunderland player's trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Independent

This account was given to embassy officials by an American student who was arrested on April 30 , 1976 after she distributed anti-government leaflets: A soldier or policeman told me to talk or that I would be tortured.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Felt's account is given to speculation, not hard evidence.

The New York Times - Books

About 12percentt of the time, customers asking about their account were given wrong information.

The New York Times

Finally, a fourth account is given by a woodcutter who claims to have witnessed the attack.

The Guardian - Film

They will tell you that a better account is given in Lady Winifred Fortescue's Perfume from Provence.

The Guardian - Books

Only from this perspective can a satisfactory account be given of the Church's life and activity".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "account was given", ensure the context clearly identifies who provided the account and to whom. This enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "account was given" as it can sometimes obscure the actor. Consider restructuring the sentence to highlight who gave the account for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "account was given" functions as a passive construction used to describe the act of providing a report or explanation. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources confirms its use in conveying information in a formal or neutral manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "account was given" is a grammatically correct phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the act of providing information or an explanation. While not as frequent as more direct alternatives, it maintains a neutral to formal tone suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and science. Understanding when and how to use this phrase can enhance clarity and precision in your writing, as using the passive voice appropriately puts the emphasis on the information delivered. Remember to consider who is providing the account for more engaging and direct sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a report was provided

Focuses on the delivery of a formal report, changing the noun but maintaining the passive construction.

an explanation was offered

Emphasizes the act of providing an explanation rather than a detailed account, shifting the focus to clarity.

information was presented

Highlights the presentation of facts and data, suitable when the core intent is to share knowledge.

details were shared

Underscores the sharing of specific details, which is less formal than giving an account.

a statement was made

Highlights the act of making a formal statement, often used in legal or official contexts.

testimony was provided

Specifically refers to evidence given under oath, usually in a legal setting.

a description was offered

Emphasizes a descriptive narrative, which may lack the comprehensiveness of a full account.

disclosure was made

Highlights the revelation of previously unknown information, often with implications of secrecy.

narrative was presented

Focuses on storytelling or the presentation of events in a sequential manner, changing the emphasis to a structured story.

the story was told

Highlights the act of telling a story, which can be more informal and less detailed than an account.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "account was given" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "[Name] provided an account", or "[Name] gave an account" for a more direct tone. You can also replace "account" with more specific terms like "report", "explanation", or "testimony" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "account was given" and "account is given"?

"Account was given" indicates that the account has already been provided in the past, while "account is given" suggests that the account is currently being provided or is generally provided. The choice depends on whether the action is completed or ongoing.

Is "account was given" formal or informal?

"Account was given" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for reports, news articles, and academic writing. For more informal contexts, phrases like "[Name] told the story" or "[Name] shared the details" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "account was given" instead of more direct alternatives?

Using "account was given" is suitable when you want to emphasize the information provided rather than the person providing it, or when the actor is unknown or less important than the information itself. For example, in a historical recap, or when focusing on the information's impact.