reasonable account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fair or justifiable explanation or description of a situation or event. Example: "The committee provided a reasonable account of the events leading up to the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Moore is, by any reasonable account, intellectually disabled.

The New Yorker

I have read them and believe that Goodstein's article is an accurate and reasonable account.

The New York Times

A useful, intelligent and reasonable account of how Osama bin Laden was found and killed in May last year.

The Guardian - Books

Did we have any more reasonable account for why an apparently mild-mannered young man with no history of violent crime would have committed such a monstrous act?

The New York Times - Magazine

These models are applied to the results obtained from three particle-wall studies and are shown to provide a reasonable account of the data.

Chemical Engineering Science

The taxi-driver survives, but he can give no reasonable account of why he left the road, except to say that he had been looking in his rearview mirror at the couple, who had been "trying to kiss," when a bright light distracted him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But we are not dealing with a reasonable accounting system.

The New York Times

No reasonable accounting system would let you book profits just because you bought the stocks.

The New York Times

But his interest in Mr Clinton's case is, by all reasonable accounts, professional.

The Economist

It might not be very on-brand behaviour for the loftily principled, but LCD Soundsystem don't need to play live again, by reasonable accounts, for the money.

The Guardian - Music

But in any reasonable accounting the biggest risk we face isn't inflation or a currency war or a stock-market bubble.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable account" when you want to convey that an explanation or description is logical, justifiable, and based on sound reasoning.

Common error

While "reasonable account" is suitable for many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "thorough analysis" or "detailed assessment" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable account" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "account". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is typically used to describe an explanation or narrative that is logical and justifiable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable account" is a commonly used phrase to describe an explanation or description that is logical and justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. It finds frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts. To enhance writing, ensure that "reasonable account" is used when you want to emphasize the sound reasoning behind an explanation. While generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts where more precise terms might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible explanation

Emphasizes the believability of the explanation.

sound justification

Highlights the validity and strength of the reason.

credible narrative

Focuses on the trustworthiness of the story or account.

valid explanation

Stresses the legitimacy and correctness of the explanation.

logical rationale

Underscores the clear and rational basis of the reasoning.

convincing story

Emphasizes the persuasive quality of the account.

well-founded explanation

Highlights that the explanation has a solid basis.

tenable interpretation

Focuses on the defensibility and acceptability of the understanding.

rational explanation

Highlights the use of reason and logic in the explanation.

defensible argument

Highlights the ability to be maintained against attack or question.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable account" to describe an explanation or description that is logical and justifiable. For instance, "The scientist provided a "reasonable account" of the experimental results".

What is a good substitute for "reasonable account"?

Alternatives to "reasonable account" include "plausible explanation", "sound justification", or "credible narrative", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonable account" in academic writing?

Yes, "reasonable account" is appropriate in academic writing when you need to describe an explanation or interpretation that is well-supported by evidence and logic.

How does "reasonable account" differ from "accurate report"?

"Reasonable account" implies an interpretation or explanation that is logically sound, whereas "accurate report" focuses on the factual correctness of the information presented. A "reasonable account" may still be an interpretation that goes beyond just reporting facts.