account for

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Explanation of "Account For"

Definition:
The phrase "account for" means to explain or give reasons for something. It can also mean to be the reason for something happening.

Usage Instructions:

• "Account for" is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
• It can be used when discussing reasons, explanations, or justifying something.

Examples:

1. Giving Reasons:

   • "Can you account for all these absences?" Here, someone is asking if you can explain why there are many absences.

2. Being the Reason:

   • "The increase in online shopping accounts for the decline in mall sales." In this sentence, online shopping is the reason for fewer sales in malls.

Advanced Usage:

• In more complex discussions, you might see "account for" used in academic or business contexts.
  • Example: "The study aims to account for the variations in economic growth across different regions." This means the study is trying to explain why economic growth differs in those areas.

Word Variants:

• Account (noun): A report or description of an event (e.g., "He gave an account of his travels.")
• Accounting (noun): The process of keeping financial records.

Different Meanings:

• The phrase can also refer to the act of taking responsibility for something.
  • Example: "You must account for your actions during the meeting."

Synonyms:

• Explain
• Justify
• Clarify
• Describe
• Reason

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Account for oneself": This means to explain one's actions or decisions.
  • Example: "He had to account for himself after the mistake at work."

Summary:

"Account for" is a versatile phrase used to explain or justify reasons for something. It can be applied in various situations, from everyday conversations to professional discussions.

Academic

Verb

1. give reasons for
   • Can you account for all these absences?
2. be the reason or explanation for
   • The recession accounts for the slow retail business