an account of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an account of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a description or narrative of something. For example: "This book provides an account of the life of the famous explorer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An account of meaning for a language is an account of just this pattern.

SEP

A reporter giving an account of football.

The New Yorker

It's an account of an experience.

The New Yorker

It is an account of Eskimo life.

The New Yorker

Avalanche is an account of her six rounds of IVF.

The Guardian - Books

Here was an account of an accused cop killer's trial.

The New York Times

This is not an account of how I was raped.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She always made me give an account of myself.

The Guardian

This is an account of trying to prosecute a rapist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He published an account of this work in 1929.

The Guardian

Here's an account of how he "hijacked an abandoned identity".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an account of" to introduce a comprehensive description or narration of a specific event, process, or phenomenon. This indicates that what follows is a detailed explanation.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise alternatives like "analysis of" or "examination of" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an account of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun phrase, often indicating a description, narration, or report. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an account of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a description, narration, or report of something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and various other contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best practice to consider using more specific alternatives in highly formal writing to ensure clarity. Common related phrases include "a description of", "a report on", and "a narrative of". Therefore, understanding its function and appropriate contexts ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a description of

Focuses on providing details and characteristics rather than a full narrative.

a report on

Emphasizes a formal presentation of information, often based on investigation.

a narrative of

Highlights the storytelling aspect, focusing on the sequence of events.

a chronicle of

Suggests a detailed and chronological record of events.

a portrayal of

Focuses on depicting something in a particular way, often subjective.

a rendition of

Implies a specific interpretation or performance of an event or story.

a history of

Highlights the historical aspect and the passage of time.

an explanation of

Focuses on clarifying and making something understandable.

a record of

Emphasizes the act of documenting and preserving information.

a version of

Suggests one particular interpretation or telling of an event.

FAQs

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

Use "an account of" to introduce a description or narration. For example, "The book provides an account of the battle" or "She gave an account of her travels".

What are some alternatives to "an account of"?

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

Is there a difference between "an account of" and "a history of"?

"An account of" is more general and can refer to any description or narration, while "a history of" specifically refers to a chronological record of past events. Therefore, "a history of" implies a longer timeframe and a more systematic approach.

When is it best to use "an account of" versus "an analysis of"?

"An account of" is suitable when providing a descriptive overview or narration. Use "an analysis of" when you are presenting a detailed examination and interpretation of the subject matter.