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Chan-Seung Lee
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
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 Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:15 am Post subject: account for |
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1.His carelessness accounts for his failure.
2.He accounts for shortages. |
In the above quote #1, I guess to 'account for' means to 'be responsible for'.
So, I made up the sentence #2.
1. I'd like you to tell me if the two quotes are correct.
2. And also I'd like to know if natives frequently use the expression 'account for' as the meaning of to 'be responsible for' other than the meaning of to 'explain'.
Thanks. |
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pugachevV
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 2295
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| Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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#1 does mean his carelessness is responsible for his failure, but more in the sense that it explains the reason for his failure. I know it's subtle difference, but I think it's valid.
#2. He accounts for shortages, means that he really does account for shortages. He has to explain where the missing stuff went.
It does not (necessarily) mean he stole it, or lost it, or was responsible for causing the shortage. |
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