What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
account
Example
Can you give me an account of what happened at the meeting? [account: noun]
Example
She gave a detailed account of her trip to Europe. [account: noun]
Example
He will account for the missing funds. [account: verb]
description
Example
Can you provide a description of the suspect? [description: noun]
Example
The book provided a vivid description of the landscape. [description: noun]
Example
She described the process in great detail. [describe: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Description is more commonly used than account in everyday language. Description is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while account is less common and is typically used in business or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between account and description?
While account can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often associated with a more formal tone due to its usage in business or financial contexts. Description, on the other hand, is often associated with a more expressive and creative tone, making it more suitable for informal contexts.
