ENGLISH
REFERENCE

accounted

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈkaʊnəd// UK //ɐkˈaʊntɪd// ac·count·ed

v. to explain the reason for something or to be the cause of a specific amount. You usually use it with the word 'for' to show how much of a total something takes up.

v. to constitute a particular amount or proportion of a whole; to provide an explanation or justification for an event or situation. Almost exclusively used with the preposition 'for'.


SIMPLE

Small businesses accounted for half of the new jobs last year.

CONTEXTUAL

The heavy rain accounted for the sudden drop in ticket sales during the outdoor festival.

COMPLEX

While the primary investor accounted for the majority of the capital, several smaller partners contributed the remaining funds necessary to launch the venture.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'for' to connect to its object.

Pitfall

The exports accounted 30% of the total.The exports accounted for 30% of the total.Accounted requires the preposition 'for' when describing a proportion or providing an explanation.

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