Phrasal Verb: Account for
English Meaning: Explain by relating circumstances; be the primary cause
Hindi Meaning: कारण बताना; मुख्य कारण होना
The phrasal verb “account for” is commonly used in both academic and everyday English. It is employed when explaining the reason behind something or identifying the cause of a result. It also refers to being responsible for a particular part of a total or playing a significant role in causing an outcome. Whether in financial reporting, academic writing, or casual speech, “account for” is a useful expression to convey clarity and reasoning.
What Does “Account for” Mean?
“Account for” has two main meanings:
- To explain: Giving reasons or clarifications for a situation or outcome.
- To be the primary cause or part of something: Contributing significantly to a result or total amount.
In Hindi, “account for” translates to “कारण बताना” (to explain a reason) or “मुख्य कारण होना” (to be the main cause). This makes the phrase relevant for formal explanations, analytical discussions, and logical reasoning.
Hindi Meaning of “Account for”
For Hindi speakers, “account for” is clearly understood in two main contexts:
- Explanation: “कारण बताना” – To describe why something happened.
- Causation or contribution: “मुख्य कारण होना” – To highlight a major factor or cause.
For example:
- “Can you account for your absence in yesterday’s meeting?” translates to “क्या आप कल की मीटिंग में अपनी अनुपस्थिति का कारण बता सकते हैं?”
- “Agriculture accounts for a large part of India’s economy” translates to “भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था का एक बड़ा हिस्सा कृषि है।”
How to Use “Account for” in Sentences
Below are five practical examples showing the use of “account for” in different contexts:
Example 1: He couldn’t account for the missing files during the audit.
Hindi: वह ऑडिट के दौरान गायब फाइलों का कारण नहीं बता सका।
Example 2: These factors account for the rise in pollution levels.
Hindi: ये कारक प्रदूषण स्तर में वृद्धि के मुख्य कारण हैं।
Example 3: Tourists account for a significant portion of the local income.
Hindi: पर्यटक स्थानीय आय का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा होते हैं।
Example 4: Please account for every item listed in the report.
Hindi: कृपया रिपोर्ट में सूचीबद्ध प्रत्येक वस्तु का कारण बताएं।
Example 5: The new policy accounts for the recent changes in the market.
Hindi: नई नीति बाजार में हालिया परिवर्तनों के कारण को स्पष्ट करती है।
Common Mistakes When Using “Account for”
Incorrect: “He account for the mistake.”
Correct: “He accounts for the mistake.” / “He accounted for the mistake.”
Incorrect: “They account of the differences.” Correct: “They account for the differences.”
Questions for Test
- What are the two main meanings of the phrasal verb “account for”?
- How would you use “account for” in a sentence related to explaining an action?
- What is the Hindi translation of “account for” when used to describe a major cause?
- Can “account for” be used in financial contexts? Provide an example.
- Rewrite the sentence “He explained the delay” using “account for.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between “account for” and “explain”?
While both mean to clarify, “account for” is often used in formal or analytical contexts, and it can also mean to be responsible for a percentage or amount in data.
Can “account for” be used in casual speech?
Yes, for example: “Can you account for the money you spent?”
Is “account for” common in academic writing?
Absolutely. It’s frequently used in research papers, reports, and essays to describe reasoning, causes, or statistical contributions.
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