could account for

USAGE SUMMARY

'could account for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is capable of explaining a particular situation or phenomenon. For example, 'The differences in weather patterns across the region could account for the varying crop yields.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What could account for the fervent embrace?

The New York Times

This could account for 8,000 tickets.

Independent

It could account for his tastes.

The Guardian - Film

I think that could account for some of it".

The Guardian

No one could account for the enormity of the sum.

The Guardian - Sport

What could account for such a quaint bit of sermonizing?

The New York Times - Books

Then what could account for the rise in shares?

The New York Times

What could account for such attention to mere mechanics?

The Guardian - Film

The revised model could account for earlier sea-level rises.

The New Yorker

That, too, could account for the crying at Walgreens.

The New Yorker

What could account for the weakness of our credit markets?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could account for", ensure the context provides a clear indication of what is being explained. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "could account for" when a stronger causal relationship is implied or known. This phrase suggests possibility, not certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could account for" serves as a modal verb phrase suggesting a possible explanation or reason for something. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a potential cause without asserting it as a definite fact. It's commonly used to propose explanations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could account for" is a versatile expression used to suggest potential explanations or contributing factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, particularly in news and scientific writing. Its function is to propose plausible reasons without asserting definitive causation. When writing, remember that the phrase suggests possibility, not certainty and while offering clarity is fundamental to effective communication. Alternative phrases include "might explain" or "may be attributed to", which can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis. It's a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might explain

Replaces "account for" with "explain", suggesting a possible reason or cause.

may be attributed to

Indicates a potential cause or origin, similar to "could account for".

might be due to

Specifies a possible reason for something, conveying a similar meaning.

could be responsible for

Suggests a potential cause or agent behind a certain outcome.

might contribute to

Emphasizes the contribution of something to a particular result.

can be explained by

Focuses on the possibility of something being clarified or understood through a specific factor.

may stem from

Indicates a potential origin or source of something, like a problem or situation.

could be a factor in

Highlights the potential role of something as a contributing element.

possibly explain

Similar to "might explain", but emphasizes the possibility of providing a reason.

helps clarify

Suggests providing insight to make something clearer, differing slightly in emphasis from "could account for".

FAQs

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

The phrase "could account for" is used to suggest a possible explanation for something. For example, "The recent increase in sales "could account for" the company's higher profits."

What are some alternatives to "could account for"?

Alternatives to "could account for" include "might explain", "may be attributed to", or "could be due to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "could account for" or "may account for"?

Both "could account for" and "may account for" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Could" suggests a slightly higher degree of possibility than "may".

What's the difference between "could account for" and "explain"?

"Explain" implies a more definitive or complete understanding, while "could account for" suggests a possible, but not necessarily confirmed, explanation. "Could account for" is more tentative than providing a definitive explanation.