whether on account of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether on account of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reason or cause for something, often in formal or academic writing. Example: "The project was delayed, whether on account of unforeseen circumstances or lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Whether on account of a mental barrier or simple carelessness, García's major wait goes on.

The Guardian - Sport

Classical music has long been a haven for those who feel different, whether on account of their size, shape, sexuality, or personality.

The New Yorker

Christianity, whether on account of its simplicity and the universality of its moral message or because its ceremonial apparatus completes and perfects nature, turns out to be the religion that is most in conformity with nature and, consequently, opens up the possibility of a confluence of all beliefs in one universal religion common to all peoples.

SEP

However, if women decide to work, whether on account of their personal desire or due to insufficient income of the family, they do have the right to work.

Huffington Post

Whether on account of poor leadership, or the curse of being blessed with extraordinary energy resources, modern Russia has for now lost the only power game that really counts today: the game of globalization.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was not known whether Hayden, on account of the injury, would miss the MotoGP season opener on April 8 in Qatar.

The New York Times

Length of stay was allowed an error of one day on account of differences as to whether the date of surgery commenced on day 0 or 1.

BMC Health Services Research

"He felt excited, but he was not sure whether that was on account of Zoya or the superbomb," Mr. Follett writes of a Russian spy involved with a beautiful nuclear physicist at the dawn of the atomic age.

The New York Times - Books

After she related her experiences, the officer asked her whether she was persecuted on account of her race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group the refugee criteria created by the United Nations to reflect the political threats of 1951.

The New Yorker

A therapist later wondered aloud whether Neel became a portraitist on account of the years spent closely observing her mother's face, looking for clues into her moods, never knowing whether affection was about to be bestowed or withdrawn.

The New York Times

On Friday, CNN will play back the main combative moments in a loop, with hours and hours of analysis about whether Trump benefited from sustaining attacks from both Rubio and Cruz, or whether his credibility will wither on account of the disputes over the release of his tax returns, healthcare and other issues.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whether on account of" in formal writing when you want to emphasize both the uncertainty and the causal relationship. For instance, "The delay occurred, whether on account of weather conditions or logistical issues."

Common error

Avoid using "whether on account of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether on account of" functions as a causal connector, introducing a reason or cause for something while also implying a degree of uncertainty or speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to introduce a possible explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whether on account of" functions as a formal causal connector, indicating a possible reason or cause while acknowledging uncertainty. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct but more suited to formal contexts like news reporting and scientific writing. Simpler alternatives such as "due to" or "because of" are preferable in informal settings. The phrase appears infrequently, but when it does, it lends a tone of considered analysis. Its strength lies in conveying both causality and a degree of speculation. Therefore, use "whether on account of" when precision and a formal tone are desired, and when you want to suggest that the stated cause might not be the sole contributing factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to

Uses a shorter, more direct causal connector.

because of

A common and slightly less formal way to express the cause.

owing to

A more formal synonym for "due to".

as a result of

Emphasizes the consequence of the cause.

in light of

Highlights the circumstances or conditions that lead to something.

considering

Suggests taking something into account as a reason.

given that

Similar to "considering", but slightly more formal.

on the grounds that

Introduces a formal justification or rationale.

by reason of

A more archaic and formal way to express the cause.

attributable to

Suggests something can be assigned or credited to a cause.

FAQs

What does "whether on account of" mean?

The phrase "whether on account of" means 'because of' or 'due to', but it also implies a degree of uncertainty about the specific reason or cause. It introduces a possible explanation.

How can I use "whether on account of" in a sentence?

You can use "whether on account of" to introduce a reason while also suggesting there might be other contributing factors. For example: "The project's failure, "whether on account of" poor planning or lack of resources, was a significant setback."

What can I say instead of "whether on account of"?

You can use alternatives like "due to", "because of", or "owing to" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "whether on account of" formal or informal?

The phrase "whether on account of" is generally considered formal and is more suitable for academic, legal, or professional writing. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.