elaborate account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a detailed and comprehensive narrative or explanation of an event or situation. Example: "The witness provided an elaborate account of the events leading up to the accident, which helped the investigators understand what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Gibbon's great work gives no elaborate account of the causes of the decline and fall because the causes, he thought, were obvious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Shiite tradition fills in the picture of the mahdi's return with an elaborate account of signs that will herald the event, including advance messengers, earthquakes and bloodshed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Members of the church gave a more elaborate account of the woman's hardships, citing an arranged and abusive marriage that had left her terrified.

The New York Times

Freud's contribution to the tradition of dream analysis was path-breaking, for in insisting on them as "the royal road to a knowledge of the unconscious," he provided a remarkably elaborate account of why dreams originate and how they function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The problem for historians like Father Poole or Professor Brading is that though the Guadalupe portrait and devotions surrounding it clearly date to the mid-1500's, it was not until 1648 that Miguel Sanchez, a creole priest, published the elaborate account of apparitions, Juan Diego and his miraculously transformed cloak.

The New York Times

An elaborate account of the different types of oligosaccharides with special reference to fructooligosaccharides are presented.

AMB Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The allegations against Mr. Chan could shed more light on Olympus's elaborate accounting ruses.

The New York Times - Tech

Philosophers favoring compatibilism have worked out elaborate accounts of what's involved in a choice's being caused "in the right sort of way" and therefore free.

The New York Times

Moreover, under harsh interrogation methods, both Mr. Mohammed and Mr. bin al-Shibh appear to have been willing to provide elaborate accounts of past events.

The New York Times

And if he can't be believed here, can the elaborate accounts of his ignorance of paedophile scandals in Ballarat be believed?

The Guardian

For all their potentially quite elaborate accounts of the organization of human minds, functionalist theories have not yet shown how "the richness and determinacy of colour experience," as Levine put it, are "upwardly necessitated" by mere computations over representations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborate account" when you need to convey a sense of thoroughness and detail in your explanation or description. It's particularly effective when summarizing complex events or processes.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate account" for situations that require only a brief or simple explanation. Opt for simpler terms like "description" or "summary" when the detail isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate account" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "elaborate" modifies the noun "account". It describes the type of account being presented, indicating its thoroughness and detail. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate account" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a detailed and comprehensive explanation or description. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it is suitable for various contexts, especially when thoroughness is key. Its usage spans across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing, remember to reserve "elaborate account" for situations that genuinely require a detailed explanation, avoiding its overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives like "detailed explanation" or "comprehensive report" may be more appropriate in certain cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed explanation

Replaces "account" with "explanation", focusing on the clarity and thoroughness of the information.

thorough description

Similar to "detailed explanation" but emphasizes the completeness of the description.

comprehensive report

Substitutes "account" with "report", suggesting a more structured and formal presentation of information.

comprehensive detailing

Emphasizes the complete detailing of the relevant aspects.

extensive narrative

Replaces "account" with "narrative", highlighting the storytelling aspect and breadth of the information.

in-depth analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect, suggesting a deeper examination of the subject matter.

exhaustive treatment

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the discussion or analysis.

full exposition

Indicates a complete and detailed presentation of information.

minute narration

Highlights the detailed and precise retelling of events.

meticulous record

Suggests a careful and precise documentation of events or information.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate account" when you want to describe a detailed and comprehensive narrative or explanation of an event or situation. For example: "The witness provided an "elaborate account" of the events leading up to the accident."

What are some alternatives to "elaborate account"?

You can use alternatives like "detailed explanation", "comprehensive report", or "thorough description" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "elaborate account" versus "simple explanation"?

"Elaborate account" is best used when the situation demands a high level of detail and thoroughness. A "simple explanation" is suitable for less complex situations where brevity is preferred.

Is "elaborate account" formal or informal?

"Elaborate account" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts but might sound overly verbose in casual conversation.