recount something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recount something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe the act of telling or narrating a story, event, or experience in detail. Example: "During the meeting, she was asked to recount her experiences during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There was the one, for example, when they were trying to recount something that had happened at a particular hotel, but could not advance past the semantics of its size.

The New York Times

It doesn't necessarily happen to me, but if you ask somebody who had a spinal cord injury, like, 'Oh, what happened?', you might be asking them to recount something that could trigger PTSD.

Vice

"They asked for an emergency recount, something heretofore unknown, and the Florida Supreme Court spanked them.

The New York Times

The move, opposed by Democratic lawmakers, threatens to produce two slates of electors if Mr. Gore wins the recount, something that would force a narrowly divided Congress to choose between them.

The New York Times

"Recount, recount, something's got to be wrong," he joked, alluding to the 10,000-vote difference that separated him from Ms. James in the race in the 35th Council District, anchored in the Fort Greene and Prospect Heights sections of Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I've always seen photography as a way of looking at the world, of recounting something.

The Guardian - Arts

Holder began by recounting something that Obama said in December, 2013 that just because the government (and the N.S.A).

The New Yorker

Father and son shared a laugh while recounting something that happened recently while they were driving home together on a Detroit highway.

The New York Times - Sports

Such a young child often has trouble, at least without extensive prompting, recounting something that happened to him a considerable time earlier.

The Washington Post

He speaks in long, reflective sentences that are frequently interrupted by second thoughts and qualifications; he settles into a faster, more explosive rhythm when recounting something that angers him — often, his own conduct.

The New Yorker

Beyond the security risk, they recounted something else worrisome: they had gotten horrible stomach ailments from the food at the guesthouse where I would also be staying, and I worried this might harm the baby.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recount something", ensure that the context requires a detailed or narrative explanation. It's best suited for situations where you are telling a story or explaining a series of events.

Common error

Avoid using "recount something" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, alternatives such as "detail", "report", or "chronicle" may provide a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recount something" functions as a verb phrase where "recount" is the verb and "something" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe the act of narrating or detailing an event or experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recount something" is a grammatically correct and functional phrase used to describe the act of narrating or detailing an event. As Ludwig AI states, it's perfectly usable in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register. Alternatives such as "narrate the details" or "describe the incident" can be used to add variety. Remember to use "recount something" when a detailed explanation is required and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrate the details

Replaces "recount" with "narrate" and focuses on the specific information being communicated.

relate the events

Substitutes "recount" with "relate", emphasizing the chronological order of the occurrences.

describe the incident

Uses "describe" instead of "recount" and specifies "incident" as the object.

give an account of it

Offers a more formal alternative, using "give an account" to express the narration.

detail the situation

Focuses on providing specific information about "the situation".

present the story

Emphasizes the act of sharing or conveying the narrative as a "story".

tell what happened

Simplifies the phrase to a more conversational tone.

report the specifics

Highlights the act of conveying factual information with a focus on "the specifics".

chronicle the experience

Suggests a more formal and detailed narration of "the experience".

reiterate the matter

Implies a repetition of the narrative, focusing on the act of restating.

FAQs

How can I use "recount something" in a sentence?

You can use "recount something" when you want to describe the act of telling a story, event, or experience in detail. For example, "During the trial, the witness had to recount something they saw."

What can I say instead of "recount something"?

You can use alternatives like "narrate the details", "describe the incident", or "relate the events" depending on the context.

Is "recount something" formal or informal?

"Recount something" is generally neutral in tone. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's important to consider the specific setting and audience. In highly formal contexts, alternatives might be preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "recount something" over simpler alternatives like "tell me about it"?

Use "recount something" when you want a detailed, narrative explanation. Simpler alternatives like "tell me about it" are better suited for casual conversation and do not imply the same level of detail or formality.