account for using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account for using" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the reasons or justifications for employing a particular method or approach. Example: "We need to account for using this new software in our analysis." Alternative expressions include "justify the use of" and "explain the use of."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This would allow representative groups to hold the media to account for using "Islam" or "Muslims" where it was not "genuinely relevant" to the story.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Ayala case is one of the rare instances where the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, had the opportunity to hold a state prosecutor to account for using trumped-up reasons to justify racial discrimination in a jury selection.

The New Yorker

To account for using multiple measures, we used the step-wise Bonferroni-Holm procedure.2 Based on guidelines for multiplicity (Cribbie, 2017) the alpha level was adjusted across all the tests for each construct but not across constructs, since we were interested in how our independent variables (musical training or bilingualism) affected each construct separately.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

CompleteMOTIFs allows using Guest account or setting up a user account for using the tool.

Biology Direct

CisFinder allows using Guest account or setting up a user account for using the tool.

Biology Direct

First, the substantial and even continuous variation in biological characteristics of T. cruzi isolates will be difficult to account for using a limited number of genetic markers.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The viscoelasticity is accounted for using the FENE-CR model.

Computers & Fluids

Turbulence was accounted for using the k−ε model.

Ocean Engineering

"That's what accounts for using a credit card for McDonald's".

The New York Times

Background fluorescence was accounted for using a set of sample blanks generated by repeating the experiment without heating.

Nature

Uncertainty must be acknowledged, and can be accounted for using both conservative deterministic and probabilistic approaches.

Geological Repository Systems for Safe Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuels and Radioactive Waste

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In administrative or legal writing, employ this phrase to connect a specific action to its subsequent justification or consequence.

Common error

Do not use "account for using" if there is no element of responsibility, adjustment, or justification involved. For example, if you are simply describing a sequence of events without needing to justify them, use a simpler verb like 'describe' or 'mention'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "account for using" functions as a complex transitive verb construction where 'account for' acts as a phrasal verb followed by a gerund phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to bridge an action with its underlying rationale or necessary adjustment. In statistical models, it often introduces the method by which a specific bias or variable was mitigated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "account for using" is a highly effective phrase for writers who need to demonstrate transparency and rigour in their work. Whether you are a scientist explaining a statistical correction or a journalist holding an institution to task, this phrase provides a structured way to link actions to their justifications. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in top-tier academic and media outlets, proving its reliability across professional contexts. While it is less common in casual conversation, its precision makes it an essential tool for formal reports, research papers and investigative journalism where 'why' and 'how' are just as important as the results themselves.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justify the use of

Focuses more on the reasoning or necessity behind choosing a specific method

explain the employment of

Uses a more formal verb to describe the application of a tool or method

rationalize using

Implies providing a logical basis for the choice, often in a defensive context

factor in the use of

Suggests including the usage as a variable in a calculation or decision

answer for using

Shifts the focus toward personal or institutional accountability for an action

compensate for utilizing

Often used in scientific contexts where an adjustment is made to account for a variable

provide reasons for employing

A more descriptive and verbose way to express the same intent

validate the usage of

Emphasizes proving that the choice was appropriate or correct

allow for the implementation of

Focuses on the logistical possibility created by the usage

take responsibility for using

Directly addresses the ethics or consequences of a particular usage

FAQs

How do I use "account for using" in a sentence?

You can use it to justify a choice or explain an adjustment, such as: "The researchers had to "justify the use of" specific markers to "account for using" a limited sample size."

What is the difference between "account for using" and "account for the use of"?

While similar, "account for using" focuses more on the action of employing something (the gerund), whereas "account for the use of" focuses more on the resource or tool as a noun.

Is it better to say "justify using" instead?

It depends on the context. If you are specifically defending a decision against criticism, "justify using" is more direct. "account for using" is better suited for scientific adjustments or broad accountability.

Can "account for using" be used in formal business reports?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for explaining expenses or tactical decisions, though you might also consider "explain the utilization of" for more formal variety.