extensive account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensive account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and thorough description or report of an event, situation, or topic. Example: "The researcher provided an extensive account of the study's findings, highlighting key trends and implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And ISIS apparently has their act together on accounting: the Financial Times quotes Charles Lister, an analyst from the Brookings Doha Center, as saying: "Most jihadist groups are tightly controlled, secretive and well coordinated, but Isis has essentially taken that to another level, with a quite impressive level of bureaucracy, extensive account keeping, and multiple channels of accountability".

Vice

But the 44-page report offers the most extensive account so far.

The New York Times

When Kurt Cobain died, the section ran an extensive account of his life and death.

The New Yorker

Morris Bishop's A History of Cornell is perhaps the most extensive account of Schurman's presidency and influence.

Cornell University

Unfortunately, the gallery's space doesn't really allow for a more extensive account of his doings, especially past projects having to do with architecture.

The New York Times

An extensive account of the botanical, resource, distribution, origin, propagation, and cultivation are discussed in this chapter.

Artemisinin-Based and Other Antimalarials Detailed Account of Studies by Chinese Scientists Who Discovered and Developed Them

It came soon after The Washington Post published an extensive account of his comments during more than 14 hours of interviews.

The Washington Post

Nevertheless, Carroll continued to argue the contrary, and published an extensive account of her spying activities in order to seek both recognition and back pay.

The New York Times

He provided an extensive account of what he knew to the London Sunday Times, which published a story, "Inside Dimona, Israel's Nuclear Bomb Factory," on Oct. 5, 1986.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, this chapter provides an extensive account of models of cognitive DSS for both fixed satellite services and land mobile scenarios.

Cooperative and Cognitive Satellite Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Homestore has acknowledged much more extensive accounting problems in 2000 and 2001.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extensive account" when you want to convey the idea of a detailed and thorough narrative or explanation, often based on substantial investigation or research. For instance, "The historian provided an "extensive account" of the war, drawing on primary sources and eyewitness testimonies."

Common error

Avoid using "extensive account" in informal or casual writing where a simpler term like "detailed story" or "thorough explanation" would suffice. The phrase carries a formal tone, making it unsuitable for everyday conversations or informal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive account" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies "account". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It's often used to describe a thorough and detailed report or narrative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensive account" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, indicating a detailed and thorough report or narrative. As Ludwig highlights, it’s appropriate for formal settings, particularly within news, scientific, and academic contexts. Alternatives such as "detailed report" or "comprehensive analysis" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. When writing, consider the level of formality required and reserve "extensive account" for situations needing a thorough and detailed description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed report

Replaces "account" with "report" emphasizing a formal presentation of information, but it's subtly more focused on factual reporting than a narrative.

comprehensive analysis

Substitutes "account" with "analysis", shifting the focus to a structured examination and interpretation of data or information.

thorough description

Replaces "account" with "description" and emphasizes a detailed portrayal of something.

in-depth examination

Uses "examination" instead of "account" highlighting a scrutinizing look at the topic.

elaborate narrative

Replaces "account" with "narrative" to accentuate the storytelling aspect.

full exposition

Replaces "account" with "exposition" to suggest a formal and systematic explanation.

exhaustive study

Substitutes "account" with "study" highlighting a research-oriented, comprehensive investigation.

broad overview

Changes "extensive" to "broad" and "account" to "overview" to suggest a general and wide-ranging summary.

lengthy discussion

Replaces "account" with "discussion" shifting the focus towards a prolonged and detailed conversation or exploration of a topic.

complete coverage

Changes "account" to "coverage" to indicate a thorough treatment of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "extensive account" to describe a detailed and thorough report or description. For example: "The book provides an "extensive account" of the historical events."

What's a good alternative to "extensive account"?

Alternatives include "detailed report", "comprehensive analysis", or "thorough description", depending on the context.

Is "extensive account" formal or informal?

"Extensive account" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Simpler terms are preferable for informal communication.

What makes an account "extensive"?

An account is considered "extensive" when it includes a large amount of detail, covers a wide range of aspects, and is the result of thorough research or investigation.