captivating account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captivating account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a narrative or story that is engaging and holds the reader's attention. Example: "The author's captivating account of her travels kept me glued to the pages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He ended with a wonderfully impetuous, sometimes wild but captivating account of Schumann's "Carnaval".

The New York Times - Arts

Ryan presents a captivating account of an intelligent, courageous, determined and capable man.

The Guardian - Books

But they are keenly and sensitively observed, and occasionally even whimsical, as in his captivating account of Kewauna Lerma, a Chicago teenager.

The New York Times - Books

One of the Book Review's 10 best books of 2005, this is a captivating account of the rediscovery, in 1990, of one of the Italian artist Caravaggio's most sought-after paintings, "The Taking of Christ".

The New York Times

This autumn, author for all ages Philip Pullman published Grimm Tales: For Young and Old, his own translations of 50 stories by the German folklorists, while the magical realist writer Sara Maitland brought out Gossip from the Forest, a captivating account of the interconnection between British woodlands and European fairytales.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, the development of wireless home networks and the explosive growth of modern cellular technologies are revealed, complete with a captivating account of their corresponding company histories and behind-the-scenes battles over standards.

Springer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He coaxed beguiling chiaroscuro shadings from Chopin's Nocturne in D flat, followed by airy, captivating accounts of three waltzes.

The New York Times - Arts

But she gives great pleasure in this well-conceived recording with intelligent and captivating accounts of famous arias from "La Boh?" and "Manon Lescaut," and fascinating excerpts from overlooked operas by Zandonai, Leoncavallo (his "Boh?") and more.

The New York Times

Lehrer, an authoritative storyteller of all things cognitive, catapults into many other captivating creative accounts: Bob Dylan (his creative process for creating his magnum opus "Like A Rolling Stone"), Yo-Yo Ma (his ability to improvise a song imperfectly to achieve perfection) and Pixar (the inner-workings to what makes this production studio a consistent award-winning machine).

Forbes

Kate Latham, St Ann's Chapel, Cornwall Written by a journalist and survivor of Hillsborough, this is a lucid, honest, captivating and sensitive account of the tragedy in April 1989, its aftermath and repercussions, both for the victims and for football in general.

The Guardian - Books

Géricault was captivated by accounts of the widely publicised 1816 shipwreck, and realised that a depiction of the event might be an opportunity to establish his reputation as a painter.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivating account" to describe narratives, descriptions, or portrayals that are particularly engaging and hold the reader's or listener's attention effectively. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "captivating account" is widely acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "compelling analysis" or "insightful narrative" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivating account" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "captivating" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "account". It describes the quality of the account, indicating it's engaging and interesting. As shown by Ludwig, it often precedes a summary or review of a particular event or story.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "captivating account" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe an engaging and interesting narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, highlighting its use in diverse contexts like news, media, and academia. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the context and audience, opting for more specific alternatives in highly formal settings. When used appropriately, "captivating account" effectively conveys the idea of a narrative that captures and holds attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelling narrative

Emphasizes the narrative aspect, highlighting how the story is powerfully persuasive.

engrossing description

Highlights the descriptive element, focusing on how thoroughly it captures attention.

absorbing story

Stresses the story's capacity to completely occupy one's attention.

fascinating portrayal

Focuses on the depiction of something, noting its intriguing nature.

intriguing explanation

Highlights the explanatory aspect, emphasizing its capacity to arouse curiosity.

riveting tale

Emphasizes the exciting and dramatic qualities of the story.

remarkable chronicle

Highlights the noteworthiness and record-keeping aspect of the account.

gripping history

Focuses on historical narratives that are particularly intense and engaging.

remarkable story

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and unusual quality of the narrative.

memorable description

Stresses the unforgettable nature of the descriptive account.

FAQs

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

You can use "captivating account" to describe a story or narrative that is highly engaging and holds the reader's attention. For example: "The book provided a captivating account of the explorer's adventures".

What are some alternatives to "captivating account"?

Some alternatives to "captivating account" include "compelling narrative", "engrossing description", or "fascinating portrayal", depending on the specific context.

Is "captivating account" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "captivating account" is generally suitable for formal writing, but consider the overall tone. In some cases, more nuanced phrases like "detailed analysis" or "insightful report" might be more appropriate.

What makes an account "captivating"?

An account becomes "captivating" through vivid language, compelling storytelling, and the ability to draw the reader or listener into the narrative. It often involves elements of suspense, intrigue, or emotional resonance.