To account for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to account for" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to explain why something happened or exists, usually in the form of a justification or explanation. For example, "The slow delivery time was due to bad weather, which we need to account for in our planning process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

How to account for the disparity?

The New York Times - Food

Premiums are adjusted to account for claims.

The Economist

She has a lot to account for.

The New Yorker

But how to account for the equations?

The New Yorker

Two factors seem to account for this.

The Guardian

"We need to account for why".

The New York Times

What else to account for this success?

The Guardian - Opinion

"You have to account for every expenditure".

The New York Times - Magazine

What's to account for the magical record?

The Guardian

The indecision is harder to account for.

The Guardian - Books

We are rightly expected to account for everything we spend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to account for", ensure that the explanation or justification is clear and directly relevant to the point being made. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using excessively complex vocabulary or convoluted sentence structures when trying to "account for" something. Clarity and simplicity often make your explanation more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to account for" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase that introduces an explanation or justification. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in providing reasons for events, changes, or decisions, aligning with the Ludwig AI response that it is used to explain why something happened or exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to account for" is a frequently used infinitive phrase that serves to provide explanations or justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its role in clarifying reasons behind events or decisions. It appears commonly in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, use "to account for" to clearly and directly explain or justify something, avoiding overly complex language. Alternatives include "to explain" or "to justify", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that while ""to account for"" and "to take into account" can often be used interchangeably, the former often implies a more thorough explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To explain

This alternative provides a direct and simplified way of conveying the reason or cause of something, lacking the nuance of detailed consideration.

To offer an explanation for

This alternative emphasizes providing a detailed account of something, highlighting the explanatory aspect.

To give a reason for

This alternative emphasizes providing a rationale or justification, shifting the focus from a comprehensive explanation to a specific reason.

To rationalize

This alternative focuses on providing a logical justification, even if the reasoning is not entirely sound.

To give grounds for

This alternative focuses on providing a basis or justification for an action or belief, highlighting the underlying reasons.

To take into consideration

This alternative highlights the act of including something in one's thinking or planning, differing from a comprehensive explanation.

To clarify the cause of

This alternative emphasizes elucidating the reasons behind an event or situation, pinpointing the origin or source.

To make allowance for

This alternative suggests making adjustments or provisions for something, focusing on accommodating a particular factor.

To determine the factors of

This alternative stresses the identification of elements influencing a specific outcome or occurrence, concentrating on influential components.

To be responsible for

This alternative shifts the meaning toward bearing the responsibility or blame, altering the context from explanation to accountability.

FAQs

How can I use "to account for" in a sentence?

Use "to account for" to explain why something happened, to justify an action, or to consider a factor. For example, "The budget increase is necessary "to account for" rising material costs."

What are some alternatives to "to account for"?

You can use alternatives like "to explain", "to justify", or "to consider" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "account for" or "take into account"?

Both ""to account for"" and "to take into account" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "to account for" often implies a more thorough explanation or justification, while "to take into account" suggests consideration or inclusion.

What does "to account for" mean in a financial context?

In finance, ""to account for"" means to record and report financial transactions accurately. This ensures that all income and expenses are properly documented and balanced.