to account for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to account for" is a commonly used phrase in written English and can be used in many contexts.
For example, "We had to account for all of the expenses in the budget." This phrase is typically used to refer to the process of explaining or providing evidence in support of something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to account for the disparity?

The New York Times - Food

Premiums are adjusted to account for claims.

The Economist

She has a lot to account for.

The New Yorker

But how to account for the equations?

The New Yorker

Two factors seem to account for this.

The Guardian

"We need to account for why".

The New York Times

What else to account for this success?

The Guardian - Opinion

"You have to account for every expenditure".

The New York Times - Magazine

What's to account for the magical record?

The Guardian

The indecision is harder to account for.

The Guardian - Books

How to account for this turnaround?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to account for" to introduce the reasons or factors that explain a particular situation or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "to account for" when simply listing items or factors without providing a clear explanation of their relevance or impact. Always clarify the connection between the factors and the outcome you are trying to explain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to account for" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial of purpose or explanation. It introduces the reason for an action or the factors contributing to a result. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to explain or provide evidence in support of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to account for" is a versatile phrase used to provide explanations, include factors in calculations, or assign responsibility. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to explain or provide evidence in support of something. The phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, ensure you clarify the connection between the factors and the outcome you are explaining, and avoid using it merely for listing items without a clear explanation. Consider alternatives like "to explain" or "to consider" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to explain

This alternative offers a simpler and more direct way of expressing the act of providing reasons or justifications.

to provide justification for

This phrase stresses the act of offering reasons or evidence to support a claim or action.

to give a reason for

This option focuses on providing a specific explanation or justification for something.

to clarify

Aims to make something clearer or easier to understand, often by providing additional information or context.

to take into consideration

This phrase emphasizes the act of including something in one's calculations or plans.

to allow for

This suggests making provisions or adjustments for something in advance.

to be responsible for

This alternative highlights the aspect of bearing the burden of explanation or justification.

to make allowances for

Very similar to "allow for", but might suggest being more lenient or understanding.

to detail

This phrase focuses on providing a comprehensive account or description of something.

to reconcile

This option suggests resolving inconsistencies or differences, often in a financial or accounting context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to account for" can be used to explain why something happened, to include something in a calculation, or to hold someone responsible. For example, "We need to "account for" the missing funds", "What factors "account for" the company's success?", or "You will be held "to account for" your actions".

What are some alternatives to "to account for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to explain", "to consider", "to justify", or "to be responsible for".

When is it appropriate to use "to account for"?

It's appropriate to use "to account for" when you want to provide a reason or explanation for something, include something in a calculation or plan, or assign responsibility for an action or outcome.

What's the difference between "to account for" and "to take into account"?

"To account for" often implies explaining the reasons behind something or assigning responsibility, while "to take into account" primarily means considering something when making a decision or calculation. They are similar but have subtle differences in emphasis.