histories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "histories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple accounts or narratives of past events, often in a historical or storytelling context. Example: "The museum showcases various histories of ancient civilizations, highlighting their cultures and achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

XKeyscore An NSA program that allows analysts to search vast databases of emails, online chats and browsing histories of millions of individuals, with no prior authorisation.

The Guardian

What's more, this sort of drama feels genuinely new: beyond the odd episode of Doctor Who and Quantum Leap, speculative alternate histories are rarely told on TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In Glass Wings (Bloodaxe), Fleur Adcock is as clear-eyed as always in a collection that ranges widely over lost worlds, family histories and memories of childhood, but always maintains the art of seemingly artless observation.

The Guardian - Books

Historical amnesia is certainly liberating – so liberating that America is once again diving into free fall, unmoored by any critical or intellectual insight into its own myths, or even into the histories of the debates that we think define our moment.

The Guardian - Books

He reads histories of the British monarchy, enjoys poetry and cricket, looks forward to family holidays overseas and to, one day, taking decisions that can change millions of lives.

The Guardian

As reported by the Guardian, some big companies now use sophisticated "persona management software" to create armies of virtual astroturfers, complete with fake IP addresses, non-political interests and online histories.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an abstraction of a part of a ship, and there's a timeline of the story of the home front in one direction and, in the other, quotes from the women – Rosies – whose oral histories we have.

The Guardian - Travel

After a feast of harira, tagine, couscous and copious wine, histories were shared and stories told.

The Guardian - Travel

Marr, 53, was previously the BBC's political editor and the editor of the Independent before becoming one of the BBC's best-known factual presenters, a role that has seen him front histories of modern Britain and the Queen's reign.

The Guardian

A 41-slide PowerPoint presentation dated April 2010 was among the Snowden documents, and it revealed the NSA was very pleased with the information it was receiving, which included search histories, the content of emails, videos, photos and live chats.

The Guardian

Bahari and Rosewater share a salient detail in their family histories– Rosewater's father was also tortured during the Pahlavi era – but Rosewater takes pains to prevent family feeling becoming a common denominator.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "histories" when discussing multiple, distinct historical accounts, narratives, or trajectories, rather than a singular, unified history. This acknowledges the complexity and multifaceted nature of the past.

Common error

Avoid using "histories" when you mean a general overview of the past. Use "history" for a singular, overarching narrative. Reserve "histories" for instances where multiple accounts or perspectives are being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "histories" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a verb, referring to multiple accounts, narratives, or records of past events. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in discussing family "histories", political "histories", and online browsing "histories". Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "histories" is the plural form of "history", used to denote multiple accounts or narratives of past events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially News & Media. When using "histories", it's crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and interpretations it represents. Alternative phrases include "historical accounts" and "past narratives", but choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "history" for a general overview and "histories" when discussing multiple accounts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Historical accounts

Focuses specifically on the written or documented records of the past, emphasizing accuracy and detail.

Past narratives

Emphasizes the storytelling aspect of history, highlighting the way events are constructed and presented.

Chronicles

Implies a sequential record of events, often presented in chronological order.

Records of the past

Highlights the preservation and documentation of historical events.

Historical trajectories

Focuses on the paths and developments that have shaped historical events and periods.

Collective memories

Emphasizes the shared recollections and interpretations of the past within a community or group.

Traditions

Highlights customs and beliefs passed down through generations, often forming a part of a group's history.

Anecdotes

Focuses on short, often amusing or interesting stories about real incidents or people from the past.

Legacy

Refers to the lasting impact or consequences of past events or individuals.

Antecedents

Emphasizes the events or causes that precede and influence later developments.

FAQs

How is "histories" used in a sentence?

"Histories" is the plural form of "history", used when referring to multiple accounts or versions of past events. For example, "The book explores the diverse "histories" of different cultures during the same period".

What words can I use instead of "histories"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "historical accounts", "past narratives", or "chronicles" to convey similar meanings.

What is the difference between "history" and "histories"?

"History" refers to a general account of the past or a field of study, while "histories" refers to multiple, specific accounts or narratives of past events. Think of "history" as a singular subject and "histories" as multiple stories.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "histories"?

Use "histories" when discussing multiple interpretations or versions of the past, especially when acknowledging diverse perspectives or conflicting narratives. For instance, one might say "There are many "histories" of the American Civil War, depending on the historian's perspective".