sweeping account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comprehensive or broad overview of a subject or situation. Example: "The report provided a sweeping account of the environmental changes over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Oil! gives a broad, sweeping account of the southern Californian oil boom.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Runnicles and company closed the program with a robustly played, appealingly sweeping account of Elgar's "Enigma" Variations.

The New York Times

The reason I wanted to write the book is that I thought that the general reading public needs an ambitious, sweeping account of the American past.

Harvard University

"I thought that the general reading public needs an ambitious, sweeping account of the American past... because there's no sense of a shared past," says historian Jill Lepore.

Harvard University

In his book, The Arab Revolution: Ten Lessons from the Democratic Uprising, Jean-Pierre Filiu offers a concise but sweeping account of the earth-shattering revolts that began in Tunis and continue today throughout the Middle East.

Columbia University

The demagogic career of a senator from Wisconsin is just part of Morgan's sweeping account of anti-Communist purges and Communist espionage that begins with America's involvement in the Russian Revolution and gallops through the birth of the New Left, Vietnam, Watergate and beyond.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

On June 18th, the Senate Banking Committee approved a sweeping accounting reform bill by an unexpected 17-4 vote.

The Economist

HealthSouth put its embattled chairman on leave after regulators accused the company of sweeping accounting fraud.

The New York Times

He also worked as the bank's chief auditor during the introduction of sweeping accounting rule changes, putting him in close contact with several top regulators.

The New York Times

Ever since sweeping accounting fraud was discovered at HealthSouth a year ago, investors in the company's bonds and stocks have had to make do without audited financial statements.

The New York Times

C1 Replacement at HealthSouth The nation's largest hospital chain replaced its embattled chairman and scrambled to avoid bankruptcy a day after regulators accused the company of sweeping accounting fraud.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping account" when you want to convey that something covers a large scope or a considerable amount of detail in a comprehensive manner.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping account" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "overview" or "summary" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sweeping account" is to act as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" modifies the noun "account". It describes the kind of account being presented, emphasizing its breadth and comprehensiveness. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping account" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a comprehensive narrative or report. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and well-supported in both academic and journalistic contexts. While versatile, the phrase is most appropriate for formal writing and may sound out of place in casual conversation. When aiming for clarity and breadth, "sweeping account" is a strong choice, but writers should consider alternative such as "comprehensive report", "broad overview", or "detailed narrative" for variety or when a less formal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive report

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the information provided, rather than the scope.

broad overview

Emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the summary, highlighting the main points without delving into specifics.

extensive analysis

Stresses the depth and detail of the examination, suggesting a rigorous and methodical approach.

thorough examination

Highlights the meticulousness and completeness of the investigation or study.

wide-ranging survey

Implies a broad and inclusive examination of a topic, covering a variety of aspects or perspectives.

detailed narrative

Focuses on the richness and comprehensiveness of the story or account being presented.

in-depth study

Suggests a deep and thorough investigation of a particular subject, often involving research and analysis.

panoramic view

Offers a broad and encompassing perspective, like a wide-angle lens, covering a large area or range.

exhaustive treatment

Implies that the subject has been covered completely and thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned.

complete exposition

Emphasizes the clear and detailed explanation of a subject, ensuring full understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping account" to describe a comprehensive overview of a subject. For example: "The book provides a "sweeping account" of the war."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping account"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive report", "broad overview", or "detailed narrative", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sweeping account" formal or informal?

"Sweeping account" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for informal settings.

What makes a "sweeping account" different from a regular account?

A "sweeping account" implies a broader scope and more comprehensive detail than a regular account. It suggests a thorough and wide-ranging treatment of the subject matter.