brief account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief account" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to quickly summarize or review something. For example: "Here is a brief account of the steps I took to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brief account of M. Grangier's career.

The New Yorker

Gives brief account of Henry Z.'s career.

The New Yorker

Mr. Taylor gave a brief account of what happened at the parade on Sunday.

The New York Times

Brief account of Stanley's expedition, which took place in 1871, is given.

The New Yorker

If there was a fresh fact or insight in Frady's brief account, I couldn't find it.

The New York Times - Books

The substance of what was said was not described in the State Department's brief account.

The New York Times

Leavitt's book is basically a brief account of the expat life of the city.

The New York Times - Books

She left a brief account of her life with him in an interview with Marek Kedzierski.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At the end of 2015, she posted a brief account of her year.

The New Yorker

In March, Meserole and McCants published a brief account of their findings in Foreign Affairs.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, May 2 , 1959P. 128 Brief account of the program that the N.Y.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief account", ensure it is followed by enough detail to provide context, but not so much that it loses its concise nature. It should serve as a useful summary or introduction to a more detailed discussion.

Common error

Avoid turning a "brief account" into a lengthy explanation. The goal is to provide essential information efficiently, not to delve into exhaustive details. If more depth is required, signpost it clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief account" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a summary or overview of a topic, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples. It prepares the reader for a condensed version of a larger narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief account" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a summary or overview, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and aims to provide context concisely. Appearing frequently in Science and News & Media, its register is generally neutral to professional. When using "brief account", ensure that it delivers sufficient context without excessive detail, serving as a succinct introduction. Ludwig examples demonstrate its effective use across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short summary

Focuses on the concise nature of the information presented.

concise overview

Highlights the comprehensive yet succinct nature of the information.

quick rundown

Emphasizes the speed and informality of the summary.

summary outline

Highlights the structural and condensed nature of the account.

abridged version

Implies that the account is a shortened form of a longer original.

compact report

Stresses the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the account.

snapshot

Highlights a brief view or moment captured.

thumbnail sketch

Suggests a very basic outline or introductory description.

capsule summary

Implies the account is highly condensed, like information in a capsule.

potted history

Specifically refers to a condensed historical narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "brief account" in a sentence?

You can use "brief account" to introduce a summary or overview. For example, "Here is a brief account of the company's history", or "The report includes a brief account of the experiment's methodology".

What phrases are similar to "brief account"?

Alternatives include "short summary", "concise overview", or "quick rundown". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "brief account" formal or informal?

"Brief account" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer "concise summary" or "abridged version".

What's the difference between "brief account" and "detailed analysis"?

A "brief account" provides a summary of key points, while a "detailed analysis" delves deeply into every aspect of a topic. The former is concise and introductory, while the latter is comprehensive and thorough.