it accounts for

USAGE SUMMARY

'it accounts for' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to say that something explains or is responsible for something else. For example, "The sudden spike in temperature can be explained by the fact that it accounts for the increase in greenhouse gases over the last few decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Japan it accounts for a quarter.

The Economist

It accounts for about 40% of revenues.

The Guardian - Business

It accounts for about two-fifths of exports.

The Economist

Mr. O'Shaughnessy says it accounts for half of Revere's profit.

The New York Times

It accounts for three-fifths of Australia's black-coal exports.

The Economist

It accounts for one in seven minutes spent online worldwide.

The Economist

It accounts for almost half of our exports.

Independent

It accounts for about 3% of the world's stockmarket value.

The Economist

It accounts for less than 0.5% of operator revenues.

The Economist

It accounts for the large number of causalities".

The New York Times

It accounts for 18% of global greenhouse-gas emissions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it accounts for" when you want to specify the proportion or percentage that something contributes to a larger whole. For instance, "Renewable energy it accounts for 15% of the country's total energy production."

Common error

Avoid using "it accounts for" when you mean "it gives an account of" or "it describes". "Accounts for" indicates proportion or reason, while "account of" indicates a description or narration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it accounts for" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something explains, constitutes, or is responsible for a particular portion or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

49%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it accounts for" is a versatile and commonly used expression, primarily functioning to denote the proportion or reason something contributes to a whole. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is accurate and appropriate across various contexts, including news media and scientific writing. While mainly neutral in tone, its specific application varies widely, as shown by Ludwig's examples. The phrase sees frequent use in both News & Media and Science domains. Remembering its specific function—indicating proportions or contributions—helps to prevent confusion with similar-sounding phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is responsible for

Highlights causality and agency.

it explains

Focuses on the explanatory aspect, rather than proportional contribution.

it is due to

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

it makes up

Focuses on the quantitative contribution to a whole.

it comprises

Similar to 'makes up' but slightly more formal.

it constitutes

Highlights the composition or formation aspect.

it is attributable to

Specifies the cause or origin.

it represents

Emphasizes the symbolic or indicative function.

it determines

Indicates a decisive or controlling influence.

it clarifies

Highlights the illuminating aspect of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "it accounts for" in a sentence?

Use "it accounts for" to indicate that something explains or forms a specific portion of a whole. For example, "The increase in sales it accounts for the company's overall growth."

What phrases are similar to "it accounts for"?

Similar phrases include "it explains", "it represents", or "it constitutes", depending on the specific context.

Is "it accounts for" formal or informal?

"It accounts for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although slightly more formal alternatives like "it is responsible for" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it accounts for" and "it is because of"?

"It accounts for" typically indicates a proportion or contribution, while "it is because of" expresses a direct causal relationship. For example, "The rain it accounts for the increased vegetation growth" versus "The increased vegetation growth it is because of the rain".