doesn't account for

USAGE SUMMARY

"doesn't account for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when someone has overlooked or failed to consider something. For example: "His explanation of the accident doesn't account for the broken window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that doesn't account for future storms.

The New Yorker

Wenger's policy doesn't account for exceptions.

The New York Times

And that doesn't account for delivery snafus.

The New York Times

"It doesn't account for drizzle, and it doesn't account for snow," says Skofronick-Jackson.

Yale University

But that doesn't account for the problem you ran into.

Yale University

Declining public interest in Occupy doesn't account for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that doesn't account for how we started".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, this doesn't account for all of the collapse.

The Economist

The arithmetic doesn't account for the loss of free time.

The New York Times

But still, that doesn't account for its singular appeal.

The Guardian - Books

Like any other system, it doesn't account for all contingencies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doesn't account for", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is not being considered and why it is relevant to the context. Always provide context for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't account for" without specifying what the unconsidered factor is. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always state explicitly what the phrase refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't account for" functions as a transitive verb phrase indicating a lack of consideration or inclusion of a particular element. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used when someone overlooks something. This emphasizes the incompleteness or inadequacy of an explanation, calculation, or plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doesn't account for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has been overlooked or not considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable when pointing out deficiencies in explanations or calculations. It appears most frequently in news and media, academia and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always specify what is not being accounted for to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "fails to consider" and "overlooks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to consider

Emphasizes the omission or neglect of a particular aspect.

does not take into consideration

Highlights the act of neglecting to think about something.

doesn't factor in

Highlights the absence of a factor in a calculation or assessment.

overlooks

Suggests a failure to notice or recognize something important.

omits

Focuses on the exclusion of something.

leaves out

Indicates the act of not including something.

disregards

Implies a conscious decision to ignore something.

ignores

Focuses on the active choice of not paying attention to something.

neglects to mention

Points out the lack of inclusion in a discussion or statement.

makes no allowance for

Suggests there is no permission or provision for the action.

FAQs

What does "doesn't account for" mean?

The phrase "doesn't account for" means that something has not been considered or included in a calculation, explanation, or plan.

How can I use "doesn't account for" in a sentence?

You can use it to point out a missing element. For example: "The budget "doesn't account for" inflation."

What are some alternatives to "doesn't account for"?

Alternatives include "fails to consider", "does not take into consideration", or "overlooks".

When is it appropriate to use "doesn't account for" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight that something has been overlooked or omitted in an explanation, calculation, or plan. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being omitted.