gist of the account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gist of the account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing or conveying the main point or essence of a narrative or report. Example: "To understand the situation better, I need you to provide me with the gist of the account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dr. Marcelle Layton, an assistant commissioner in the health department's communicable disease bureau, confirmed the gist of the account by Dr. Fried, a specialist in infectious diseases.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lots of musical instruments, was the gist of their response.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So that's the gist of the story.

The New Yorker

But he confirms the gist of the Cockburn brothers' account in his own field of expertise: inspecting and destroying weapons of mass destruction.

The Economist

The gist of Mr. Hernandez's account is that he had become a good friend of another prisoner, Matias Reyes, who told him about the rape of the jogger in Central Park.

The New York Times

While in all fairness, the current account deficit is not an exact proxy for imported capital--a portion of the trade deficit, for example, reflects accounting and other transactions--but the gist of the argument remains.

Huffington Post

The gist of the criticism?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was the gist of the invention".

The New Yorker

"We trust you," is the gist of the message.

The Guardian

"She would give me the gist of the Arabic.

The New Yorker

What's the gist of the criticism from the BCC?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gist of the account", ensure that you are providing a concise and accurate representation of the original information. Avoid adding personal interpretations or opinions unless explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "gist of the account" based on hearsay or partial information. Ensure you have a reliable understanding of the full account before attempting to summarize it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gist of the account" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the main idea or essence of a story, report, or explanation, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gist of the account" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, albeit somewhat rare, used to describe the main idea or essence of a story, report, or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for general conversations. For more formal settings, alternatives like "essence of the report" or "substance of the matter" may be more appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure you're providing an accurate and concise summary without adding personal interpretations. Ultimately, understanding the "gist of the account" allows for quick comprehension and effective communication of key information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main points of the story

Focuses on the key elements of a narrative.

essence of the report

Highlights the core message of a formal document.

summary of the events

Provides a condensed version of what occurred.

the long and short of it

An informal way of saying the essential facts.

core of the matter

Emphasizes the central aspect of the situation.

substance of the narrative

Highlights the important content of a spoken or written communication.

crux of the explanation

Pinpoints the most critical part of an explanation.

heart of the issue

Identifies the fundamental element of a problem or debate.

the thrust of the argument

Highlights the central, driving force of an argument or case.

net of the situation

Emphasizes the conclusive understanding after all considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "gist of the account" in a sentence?

You can use "gist of the account" to introduce a summary or main idea. For instance, "The "gist of the account" suggests that the company is facing significant financial challenges."

What's a more formal alternative to "gist of the account"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "the essence of the report" or "the substance of the matter". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "gist of the account" in academic writing?

While "gist of the account" is understandable, academic writing often requires more precise language. Consider using terms like "the key findings", "the core argument" or "the main conclusion" for clarity and rigor.

How does "gist of the account" differ from "full details of the account"?

"Gist of the account" refers to a summarized version emphasizing the main points, whereas "full details of the account" implies providing all available information, including minor or supporting facts. The former is concise, while the latter is comprehensive.