called to account

USAGE SUMMARY

"called to account" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to hold someone responsible or to demand an explanation for their actions. Example: The CEO was called to account for the company's financial losses during the shareholder meeting. In this example, the CEO is being held responsible for the company's financial losses and is required to explain his actions to the shareholders.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People must be called to account".

The New York Times

Some physicians have been called to account.

The Guardian

In that business, the father is called to account.

The New York Times

Most Chileans want the general called to account.

The Economist

Nobody was ever called to account for his death.

The Guardian - Travel

No police officer was called to account for the beating.

The Guardian - Travel

None has ever apologized or been called to account.

The New York Times

Shouldn't these men be called to account for their actions?

The Guardian

Officials who ignore these principles will be called to account.

The New York Times

Murderous and cruel dictators could now be called to account.

The Guardian - Books

Hula was ultimately called to account for these practices.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "called to account" when you want to emphasize that someone is being officially or formally asked to explain their actions, often in a context of wrongdoing or failure.

Common error

Avoid using "called to account" in casual conversations. It's a relatively formal phrase, so opt for simpler alternatives like "asked to explain" or "held responsible" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called to account" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that someone is being asked to explain or justify their actions, often in a formal or official setting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "called to account" is a frequently used, grammatically sound expression that means to hold someone responsible for their actions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives such as "held responsible" or "made to answer" offer similar meanings but might be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to use "called to account" when you want to convey a sense of official or serious inquiry into someone's behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held responsible

Focuses on the aspect of bearing responsibility for something.

held accountable

Similar to "held responsible" but emphasizes the obligation to answer for one's actions.

made to answer

Highlights the act of being forced to provide an explanation.

made answerable

Stresses the condition of being liable to answer for one's conduct.

brought to justice

Implies a legal or formal process of holding someone accountable.

required to explain

Directly indicates the demand for an explanation.

compelled to justify

Stresses the force or pressure to provide a justification.

subject to scrutiny

Emphasizes being examined closely for one's actions.

liable for explanation

Focuses on the legal or formal obligation to provide an explanation.

brought up on charges

Implies a formal accusation and legal process.

FAQs

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

Use "called to account" to indicate that someone is being asked to explain or justify their actions, typically when something has gone wrong. For example, "The manager was called to account for the team's poor performance".

What's a less formal alternative to "called to account"?

For less formal situations, consider using phrases like "held responsible", "asked to explain", or "made to answer". These alternatives convey a similar meaning without the formal tone.

Is "called to account" the same as "held accountable"?

While similar, "called to account" often implies a specific instance where someone is being asked to explain. "Held accountable" suggests a more general expectation of responsibility.

What are some common contexts where "called to account" is used?

"Called to account" is frequently used in news reports, business settings, and legal contexts to describe situations where individuals or organizations are being held responsible for their actions.