Account for
verb
To make up or form a particular part of something.
Smoking accounts for a large number of deaths every year.
Often appears as...
- accounts for a large part
- accounts for a significant portion
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To explain or provide a reason for something.
How do you account for your absence at the meeting yesterday?
Often appears as...
- account for behavior
- account for actions
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To be the explanation or cause of something.
Lack of sleep could account for your headaches.
Often appears as...
- account for symptoms
- account for differences
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To keep track of something, especially for business or financial purposes.
As a business manager, she has to account for every penny spent.
Often appears as...
- account for expenses
- account for sales
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To make up or form a particular part of something.
Smoking accounts for a large number of deaths every year.
Often appears as...
- accounts for a large part
- accounts for a significant portion
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To explain or provide a reason for something.
How do you account for your absence at the meeting yesterday?
Often appears as...
- account for behavior
- account for actions
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To be the explanation or cause of something.
Lack of sleep could account for your headaches.
Often appears as...
- account for symptoms
- account for differences
Usage tips
Neutral
verb
To keep track of something, especially for business or financial purposes.
As a business manager, she has to account for every penny spent.
Often appears as...
- account for expenses
- account for sales
Usage tips
Neutral
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Composition Understanding
Focus on how individual parts contribute to the whole. 'Account for' highlights the significance of these parts.
Students account for the majority of our morning bus service users.
Pro Tip 2/2Quantitative Context
Use when quantifying contributions, especially in statistics or reports.
Renewable energy sources now account for about 20% of total electricity generation.
Pro Tip 1/2Composition Understanding
Focus on how individual parts contribute to the whole. 'Account for' highlights the significance of these parts.
Students account for the majority of our morning bus service users.
Pro Tip 2/2Quantitative Context
Use when quantifying contributions, especially in statistics or reports.
Renewable energy sources now account for about 20% of total electricity generation.
Pro Tip 1/2Composition Understanding
Focus on how individual parts contribute to the whole. 'Account for' highlights the significance of these parts.
Students account for the majority of our morning bus service users.
Pro Tip 2/2Quantitative Context
Use when quantifying contributions, especially in statistics or reports.
Renewable energy sources now account for about 20% of total electricity generation.
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