"account for" vs "account of"

Question

"account for" vs "account of"

Both 'account for' and 'account of' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Account for' is used to explain or justify something, while 'account of' is used to describe or narrate a story or event.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use 'account for' when you want to explain or justify something, especially in terms of reasons or causes.

Examples:

Can you account for the missing money?
The new evidence accounts for the change in strategy.
She needs to account for her absence from the meeting.

Alternatives:

explain
justify
give a reason for
make up for
take into account

Use 'account of' when you want to describe or narrate a story, event, or situation.

Examples:

She gave an account of what happened that night.
The book provides a detailed account of the war.
Can you give me an account of your trip?

Alternatives:

description of
narrative of
report of
story of
recollection of

Answer 1

account for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

account of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"account for" vs "account of"

account for

account of

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