"Account for" vs "Accountable for"

Question

"Account for" vs "Accountable for"

Both "account for" and "accountable for" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Account for" is used to explain or justify something, while "accountable for" is used to indicate responsibility or liability. They are not interchangeable as they convey different meanings.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

The phrase 'account for' is used to explain or justify something, to provide a reason or explanation for a particular situation or result.

Examples:

Can you account for the missing money?
The report must account for all expenses incurred during the project.
She needs to account for her actions.
He was asked to account for his absence.
The witness was asked to account for what he saw.

Alternatives:

explain
justify
clarify
give a reason for
provide an explanation for

The phrase 'accountable for' is used to indicate responsibility or liability for something, to be answerable or liable for a particular action or outcome.

Examples:

He is accountable for the company's financial losses.
The manager is accountable for the team's performance.
She is accountable for her mistakes.
The government officials are accountable for their decisions.
Who is accountable for this error?

Alternatives:

responsible for
liable for
answerable for
answerable to
to blame for

Answer 1

Account for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Accountable for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Account for" vs "Accountable for"

Account for

Accountable for

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