The phrasal verb "account for" is often used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more prevalent in formal written and spoken communication. Commonly, "account for" is employed to mean providing an explanation or justification for something. In a business or academic setting, it might be used when discussing financial matters, statistical data, or causal relationships (e.g., "These factors account for the rise in sales"). In informal contexts, people might say, "Her absence at the meeting was accounted for," to imply there's an acceptable reason. Another significant usage is when describing proportions of a whole, such as "Women account for 50% of the workforce." Overall, its versatility makes "account for" crucial in contexts where explaining, justifying, or breaking down information is essential.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To explain the reason or cause of something.
The manager had to account for the missing funds in the report.
Can you account for your whereabouts last night?
2. To be the primary cause or factor that leads to a particular outcome.
The heavy rainfall accounts for the flooding in the region.
His dedication to his studies accounts for his high grades.
3. To take into consideration or regard something when making a decision or analysis.
The plan was revised to account for the new economic data.
We need to account for possible delays when scheduling the delivery.
