Path: /phrase/account-for
Account for
Used to explain the reason for something or to constitute a certain proportion.
Core expression
Expression: “Account for”
Meaning: 解释；占（比例）
Tone: formal
Natural examples
- Environmental factors account for 30% of the variance in the study.
- This theory accounts for most of the experimental observations.
- How do you account for the discrepancy in the data?
Usage tips
- Frequently appears in research papers and exam essays
- Can mean both 'explain' and 'constitute'
- Important for IELTS and postgraduate entrance exams