Phrases, patterns and collocations Flashcards
Account for
To provide an explanation or justification for
Example: The suspect couldn’t account for his time that night.
Give an account of (something or someone)
To recount information about someone or something to one
Example: All witnesses have to give the police an account of what they saw the night of the burglary.
Example: He gave me an account of the new project manager that was not very encouraging.
Take into account
To take into consideration
Take account of
To think, consider or pay attention to someone or something
Example:Your grandfather’s final will and testament takes account of you and your youngest brother equally.
Example: We’ll be taking account of your years of loyal service while we consider what should be done.
On account of
Because of or for the benefit of someone or something
Example: Please, don’t stop the class on account of me. I’ll just observe from the back.
Example: On account of the rain, we’ll have to postpone the game until next week.
By all accounts
According to the information that is available
Example: I don’t know how they survived that plane crash. By all accounts, they should be dead right now!
Example: By all accounts, this film is the best one of the year!
On someone’s account
Because of or for the benefit of someone
Example: Please, don’t stop the class on my account. I’ll just observe from the back.
Example: I can’t believe you organized this massive surprise party on my account!
Associate something/someone with
To link someone/something to someone/something else
Example: I always associate Walter with pizza for some reason.
To have a relationship with someone
Example: I think he’s happy to associate himself with successful people like us.
Example: I don’t associate with criminals like him.
Strike a balance
If you strike a balance between two things, you accept parts of both things in order to satisfy some of the demands of both sides in an argument, rather than all the demands of just one side
Example: It’s a question of striking the right balance between quality and productivity.
Redress the balance
To do what is necessary to restore balance or equality to an unequal situation.
Example: The company has been attempting to redress the balance of gender inequality among its various branches.
Throw off balance
If someone or something is off balance, that person or thing is in a position where they are likely to fall or be knocked down
Example: A gust of wind knocked/threw her off balance
To confuse, puzzle someone
Example: He walked up and said I was fat, which really threw me off balance (= made me feel confused).
Basis for something
To prepare for or start an activity or task
Example: The initial negotiations are seen as laying the basis for more detailed talks.
Daily/monthly/temporary basis
The way things happen, or are done or organized
On the basis of/that
The reason why someone does something or why something happens
Example: Discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race, or sexual orientation is against the law.
Example: Some bidders were rejected on the basis that they lacked an understanding of the needs of the organization.
Belief in/that
The feeling of being certain that something exists or is true
Example: His belief in God gave him hope during difficult times.
Example: It is my belief that nuclear weapons are immoral.
