account for most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account for most" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the proportion or contribution of a particular group or factor in relation to a whole. Example: "The top three companies account for most of the market share in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They do indeed account for most new jobs, but they also account for most job losses.

The Economist

Just four companies account for most of the UK market.

The Guardian

Such businesses account for most of Prolexic's clients.

The New Yorker

Services and light manufacturing account for most employment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

French taxes, not salaries, account for most of this.

The Economist

Data centers, however, account for most of it.

The New York Times

Used cars now account for most of the Bulgarian market.

The New York Times

Oil exports account for most of Iran's earnings abroad.

The New York Times

(Black artists account for most of the works in the show that pack punches).

The New Yorker

There are also more directional pieces for women, who account for most of the brand's sales.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tagines, cooked in a traditional peaked clay pot, account for most of the entrees.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "account for most", ensure that the context clearly defines the total or whole being considered. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the proportion being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "account for most" without specifying what the "most" refers to. For example, instead of saying "This accounts for most", specify "This accounts for most of the budget" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "account for most" functions as a quantitative descriptor, indicating that a particular factor or element constitutes the largest portion or share of a whole. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "account for most" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a particular element constitutes the largest portion of something. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. It is suitable for various registers, generally neutral, and effectively highlights the primary contributor or component in a given context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the "most" refers to. Alternatives like "constitute the majority" or "make up the bulk" can provide semantic variation. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Constitute the majority

Emphasizes the idea of forming the largest part of a whole.

Make up the bulk

Highlights the substantial portion or main mass of something.

Represent the largest share

Focuses on the proportion or percentage that a particular element occupies.

Primarily comprise

Indicates the main components that make up something.

Form the greater part

Stresses the significant portion that something constitutes.

Are mainly responsible for

Highlights the primary cause or accountability for a particular outcome.

Play the biggest role in

Focuses on the most influential or significant part in a process or activity.

Dominantly contribute to

Emphasizes the leading role in providing or adding to something.

Largely determine

Highlights the significant influence or control over a particular result.

Substantially explain

Focuses on providing a major part of the reason or understanding behind something.

FAQs

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

Use "account for most" to indicate that a particular element constitutes the largest portion or share of something. For example: "Services account for most of the employment in the city."

What is a good substitute for "account for most"?

Alternatives to "account for most" include "constitute the majority", "make up the bulk", or "represent the largest share", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "accounts for most" instead of "account for most"?

"Accounts for most" is used when referring to a singular subject, while "account for most" is used for plural subjects. For example: "Oil exports account for most of Iran's earnings" (plural) vs. "Oil export accounts for most of Iran's earnings" (singular - technically incorrect).

What's the difference between "account for most" and "responsible for most"?

"Account for most" indicates proportion or composition, while "responsible for most" indicates causality or accountability. For example: "Services account for most employment" vs. "Poor maintenance is responsible for most breakdowns".