0
Victorycountry Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Account for

e.g.

Non-smokers account for 79% of the people in Japan

...

From the google dictionary, I found the following meanings for 'account for'.

///

1) If a particular thing accounts for a part or proportion of something, that part or proportion consists of that thing, or is used or produced by it.

2) If something accounts for a particular fact or situation, it causes or explains it.

3) If you can account for something, you can explain it or give the necessary information about it.

///

With above example, I should look at #2 and now if I rephrase it into my usual way of saying, it should mean

In Japan, there are 79% non-smokers out of the whole population.

Is that right? Sorry to ask such a basic stuff.

I just want to be sure.

I have seen this 'account for' so many times of late but I always get confused as to which one to use (of the dictionary meanings).

Thank you
  

Top answer

Hi, It's meaning #1. 79% of the people in Japan are non-smokers. 79% of the population of Japan consists of non-smokers.

  • Hi, It's meaning #1.
  • 79% of the people in Japan are non-smokers.
  • 79% of the population of Japan consists of non-smokers.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

7 Answers
0
Hi,

It's meaning #1.

79% of the people in Japan are non-smokers.

79% of the population of Japan consists of non-smokers.

Clive
0
Yes, it's #1.

I meant #1, but I don't know why I put #2 thereEmotion: big smile

Thank you, Clieve by the way!

But wha
0
Thank you very much, Clive!

Sorry to be pain, can I ask you (or someone else) one more question on 'account for' please?

e.g.

Susan Combs was sworn in as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on Jan. 1, 2007. She serves as the state's chief financial officer, treasurer, tax collector, bookkeeper, revenue estimator and check writer. She accounts for all t
0
Hi,

Of the meanings you listed at the beginning, this one is the closest.

3) If you can account for something, you can explain it or give the necessary information about it.

She's an accountant. It means she prepares and maintains all the state's financial records.

Clive
0
Thank you, Clive!

I am getting something finally!

Would you like to watch a Japanese soap opera?

It's called 'Seven days of a daddy and daughter'

Hope you like it
0
Hi,

Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you.

Clive

Related Questions