Grammar fix
account for
explain the reason for something (often in formal or analytical contexts)
to give an explanation or justification for why something has happened, especially when analyzing causes or results.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The manager was unable to account for the sudden drop in sales last quarter.
In my opinion, several factors account for the rise in obesity rates, including changes in diet and lifestyle.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: How do you account the difference?
Say: How do you account for the difference?
'Account FOR' — don't drop 'for'. (Bare 'account' is a record or report.)
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Account for' is the analytical verb for explaining a cause; the paraphrase is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
account for + result
- the difference
- the rise
- the gap
- it