riveting account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "riveting account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative or story that is extremely engaging and holds the reader's attention. Example: "The author provided a riveting account of her travels through the Amazon rainforest, captivating readers with her vivid descriptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a riveting account.

The New Yorker

JAMES, Florida, via nytimes.com Riveting account!

The New York Times - Magazine

Read "Get Happy" -- it is a riveting account.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Levine's riveting account lasted more than 40 minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a riveting account of a vast swath of history with which few Americans are familiar.

The New Yorker

This doesn't make for a uniformly riveting account: it's mainly focused on Corden and his career.

Independent

The riveting account of a familial bond strained by social strictures and ambitions.

The New York Times

Tony Arnold, a bold, powerful soprano, gave a riveting account of the demanding work.

The New York Times - Arts

— are subsumed in the riveting account of her own inquiry and interpretation.

The New York Times

The thought is prompted by my Guardian colleague Patrick Wintour's riveting account of Ed Miliband's defeat, published this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this question seemed beside the point during Mr. Aimard's riveting account of this quirky, sometimes bumptious, sometimes mystical music.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riveting account" when you want to emphasize the intensely engaging and attention-holding quality of a narrative, performance, or description. It suggests a story or presentation that is not only interesting but also deeply captivating.

Common error

While "riveting account" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive overview" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "riveting account" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "riveting", which means extremely interesting or engaging, with the noun "account", referring to a description or narrative. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "riveting account" is a descriptive noun phrase used to emphasize the captivating and intensely engaging quality of a narrative or description. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Common in news and media, arts, and books, it conveys that an account is not just informative but exceptionally engaging. While generally acceptable, writers should avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, opting instead for more neutral terms like "detailed analysis". Alternatives include "compelling narrative", "gripping story", and "captivating description".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelling narrative

Focuses on the persuasiveness and engaging nature of the story.

gripping story

Emphasizes the story's ability to hold one's attention tightly.

captivating description

Highlights the ability of the description to charm and attract.

engrossing tale

Suggests a story that completely occupies one's mind.

fascinating portrayal

Emphasizes the interest and intrigue in the way something is presented.

enthralling narrative

Highlights the narrative's power to hold one spellbound.

absorbing explanation

Focuses on the thorough and engaging nature of the explanation.

remarkable depiction

Stresses the exceptional quality of the portrayal.

impressive rendition

Emphasizes the skill and effectiveness of the performance or presentation.

remarkable narrative

Stresses the exceptional quality of the narrative.

FAQs

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

You can use "riveting account" to describe a narrative that is extremely engaging and holds the reader's attention. For example, "The historian provided a "riveting account" of the war, captivating everyone in the audience".

What can I say instead of "riveting account"?

You can use alternatives like "compelling narrative", "gripping story", or "captivating description" depending on the context.

Is "riveting account" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "riveting account" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive overview" in those situations.

What makes an account "riveting"?

A "riveting account" is one that is intensely engaging and holds your attention firmly. It often involves vivid details, emotional depth, and a compelling narrative structure that keeps the audience captivated.