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Meaning & use

a statement of

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ə ˈsteɪtmənt əv/
US/ə ˈsteɪtmənt əv/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseformal

    A formal written or spoken description that sets out facts, aims, or beliefs about something.

    Grammar: Always followed by a noun or noun phrase: a statement of aims, a statement of fact.

    Patterns

    • a statement of something
    • a statement of intent
    • a statement of fact
    • a statement of purpose

    The company published a statement of its environmental goals for the next ten years.

    Her opening remarks were less an argument than a statement of fact.

    Every new employee signs a statement of confidentiality on the first day.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformalfinance

    An official document that lists amounts of money or details of an account.

    Grammar: Used mainly in finance and law, followed by the thing being listed: a statement of account, a statement of assets.

    Patterns

    • a statement of account
    • a statement of assets
    • a statement of earnings

    The bank sent me a statement of account covering the last three months.

    Lawyers asked for a full statement of the company's assets before the trial.

    Please attach a statement of your earnings for the past year.

Common combinations

a statement of intent
The budget is really a statement of intent about where the city is heading.
a statement of fact
What he said was a statement of fact, not an opinion.
a statement of purpose
Most graduate applications require a short statement of purpose.
a statement of account
Check your monthly statement of account for any unusual charges.
issue a statement of something
The ministry issued a statement of support for the new law.

Synonyms and how they differ

declaration
Stronger and more official than 'a statement of'; a declaration usually announces something publicly and firmly.
account
Fits better when the text mainly describes events or money rather than aims or beliefs.
summary
Use this when the text shortens longer material; 'a statement of' does not necessarily shorten anything.

Word family

state verb
To say something formally or clearly.
statement noun
Something that someone says or writes officially.

Commonly confused: a statement of or a statement about?

a statement of vs a statement about

'A statement about' is the everyday pattern for any remark on a topic; 'a statement of' is more formal and usually introduces facts, aims, or amounts.

Practice

Which phrase fits best in this sentence? "The charity published a ___ its spending policies."

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