Word of the Day: Account
To account for something is to keep track of it. A person keeps records, takes notes, and maintains information. This word can be used for many different situations:
- Charles can’t account for his whereabouts last weekend. (He can’t remember where he was.)
- Did you account for the possibility that all of these extra people might show up today? (account for = plan)
- We all have to account to a higher power for our behavior. (account to = report; explain)
The phrase “on account of” is very similar to “because of.”
- The game was canceled on account of the weather.
- On account of Bob’s mismanagement of his department, the company lost millions of dollars.
- The team lost the game on account of bad coaching and the players’ loss of interest.
When this word is a noun, it refers to a record or a place for keeping money.
- Do you have a bank account?
- How do you keep track of all your accounts?
- An accountant is a person who maintains accounts for spending and income.
- Renee’s account of events did not match those of others who witnessed the accident.
A person who studies accounting in college will later become an accountant.
- Kevin works as an accountant.
- I always have an accountant do my taxes.
- Accountants are very busy during tax season.
- Maria would like to become a C.P.A. That’s a certified public accountant.
There are a few expressions that use the word “account.”
- You don’t have to do this on my account. (It’s not necessary to do this for my benefit.)
- The teacher will hold you to account for your missed assignments. (hold to account = to place responsibility)
- The woman was called to account for her shoplifting. (She was caught stealing and she was asked to explain her actions.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with A page to see the list of all words starting with letter A. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
