eyewitness account

USAGE SUMMARY

'eyewitness account' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is detailing what they saw firsthand or experienced themselves. Example: The police report included an eyewitness account of the robbery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A REPORTER IN LONDON: eyewitness account of an air-raid.

The New Yorker

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukThe Ghosts of Martyrs Square: An Eyewitness Account of Lebanon's Life Struggle.

The Economist

These provide the first comprehensive eyewitness account of England written since Elizabethan times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has offered his mother an eyewitness account of a crime.

The New Yorker

This is his eyewitness account of the firestorm he left behind.

Independent

REPORTER AT LARGE: Eyewitness account of the sinking of aeroplane carrier the Wasp.

The New Yorker

THE DEATH OF INNOCENTS: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, by Helen Prejean.

The New York Times

His eyewitness account of these mobile production facilities has been corroborated by other sources.

The Guardian

Still later, he found Mr. Bergau's book with its eyewitness account of the murders.

The New York Times

His comments represent the first eyewitness account since Kim reportedly fell ill.

The Guardian

According to an eyewitness account, only twenty people remained in the hall at the end.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eyewitness account", ensure you clarify who the eyewitness is and what makes their perspective valuable or reliable. Providing context enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "eyewitness account" as definitive truth without corroborating evidence. Cross-verify details with other sources to mitigate bias and ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eyewitness account" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of narrative or report. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature of evidence or information, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eyewitness account" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a first-hand report of an event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. Its frequency is high, primarily appearing in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While reliable, it's important to corroborate such accounts with other evidence. Related phrases include "firsthand narrative" and "personal testimony". When using the term, clarify the eyewitness's credentials and always cross-reference the account to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eye-witness report

A hyphenated variation of the original phrase.

firsthand narrative

Emphasizes the direct experience and storytelling aspect.

personal testimony

Highlights the individual's experience and the act of bearing witness.

observer's description

Shifts focus from the account to the person perceiving the event.

direct observation

Focuses on the act of seeing and noting details without interpretation.

personal recollection

Highlights the act of remembering and sharing an event from personal memory.

on-the-spot report

Suggests immediacy and journalistic style reporting.

live coverage

Describes a broadcast or real-time report.

contemporary record

Implies a written or otherwise documented account made at the time of the event.

declarative account

More formal, emphasizes a statement of facts.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The trial hinged on the "eyewitness account" of the robbery victim" or "His book provided an "eyewitness account" of the war."

What is another way to say "eyewitness account"?

Alternatives include "firsthand narrative", "personal testimony", or "direct observation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "eyewitness account" or "hearsay"?

"Eyewitness account" refers to a direct, personal observation, while "hearsay" is second-hand information. An "eyewitness account" is generally considered more reliable than hearsay, although both can be subject to scrutiny.

What factors can affect the reliability of an "eyewitness account"?

Factors such as stress, memory distortions, personal bias, and leading questions can all influence the accuracy of an "eyewitness account".