it may account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may account" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something could explain or justify a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The recent changes in policy may account for the increase in employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(And it may account for my tendency to start sentences with "and").

The New York Times - Books

It may account for that overwhelming feeling of warmth and connection we feel toward our offspring or loved ones.

University of California, Berkeley

It may account for even more, as more of America's unleaded children enter adolescence and their early 20s.

The Economist

It may account for much of the rise in saving by emerging economies today.Terms-of-trade shock.

The Economist

Even in Britain, where it has gone furthest, it may account for just 5% of sales this year.

The Economist

Which, come to think of it, may account for another omission from the list: the Steve James documentary "Life Itself," in the Best Documentary Feature category.

The New Yorker

But, while the storm and the response to it may account for some of Mr. Obama's gains, it assuredly does not reflect the whole of the story.

The New York Times

At the least, it may account for some failures to replicate results in animal experiments, a perennial problem in the field.

The Economist

In some areas of the world, it may account for as many as 30 percent of all deaths due to heart disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But while the storm and the response to it may account for some of Mr. Obama's gains, they most likely do not reflect the whole story.

The New York Times

For that reason, if 510 Madison continues to lease as anticipated, it may account for many more leasing deals of $100 or more per square foot in 2011.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may account", ensure that the connection you're suggesting is plausible and supported by evidence. Avoid using it for far-fetched or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "it may account" when a stronger causal relationship is implied or expected. Use it to indicate a possible explanation, not a definitive cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may account" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a speculative explanation or potential reason for a particular phenomenon or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It suggests a possible connection but does not assert a definitive cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may account" serves as a versatile phrase for suggesting potential explanations or causes, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media contexts, this modal verb phrase lends itself well to academic, scientific, and professional discourse, indicating a tentative, rather than definitive, relationship. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the proposed connection is plausible and backed by supporting evidence. While alternatives such as "it could explain" and "it might be the reason" exist, "it may account" retains a formal tone suitable for nuanced discussions. With its frequent usage confirmed, Ludwig considers "it may account" a common and appropriate phrase for expressing reasoned speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could explain

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

it might explain

This alternative conveys a slightly weaker degree of certainty.

it could be the reason

This alternative is more explicit about causality.

it might be the cause

This alternative focuses specifically on causation.

it may be attributable to

This alternative is more formal and suggests a more indirect connection.

it may stem from

This alternative suggests an origin or source.

it may result from

This alternative emphasizes the consequence of a previous action.

it may provide an explanation

This alternative highlights the explanatory function.

it may offer an explanation

This alternative, like the previous one, highlights the explanatory function.

it may shed light on

This alternative is more metaphorical, suggesting clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "it may account" in a sentence?

Use "it may account" to suggest a possible explanation or reason for something. For example, "The increase in sales "it may account" for the company's recent success."

What can I say instead of "it may account"?

You can use alternatives like "it could explain", "it might be the reason", or "it may be attributable to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it accounts for" instead of "it may account"?

While "it may account" suggests a possibility, "it accounts for" indicates a confirmed reason or explanation. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the certainty of the relationship you're describing.

What's the difference between "it may account" and "it could account"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. However, "it could account" is often perceived as slightly less formal than "it may account".