What is On account of in English? Correct usage of On account of in English

"On account of" is a formal English prepositional phrase commonly found in professional writing, academic papers, and business communication. This complete guide will help you understand and master its proper usage while in English communication.

I. What is On account of in English?

The phrase "on account of" works as a prepositional phrase that shows the reason or cause behind an action, event, or situation. Unlike simpler alternatives, this expression has a formal tone that makes it especially suitable for professional writing, academic work, and situations requiring elevated language register. Understanding the on account of meaning is essential for mastering formal English communication while in English learning contexts.

• Peter doesn't drink alcohol on account of his poor health. 

• Jackson declined to give the speech on account of a sore throat.

To define on account of, describe it as a formal way to express causation, similar to "because of" but with greater sophistication. This phrase appears frequently while in English academic and business contexts.

II. How to use On account of in English

How is On account of used in English? Let's explore this with PREP below! Learning proper usage patterns helps students communicate effectively while in English conversations and formal writing.

Note that "on account for" is sometimes confused with "on account of," but they serve different grammatical functions while in English usage patterns.

III. Synonymous phrases with On account of in English

Let's remember some synonymous phrases with On account of in English in the table below! These alternatives provide variety while in English communication.

IV. Avoid These Common Mistakes!

Even advanced English learners sometimes make errors when using "on account of," mainly due to confusion with similar phrases or misunderstanding its proper application. Recognizing these common errors helps you use the phrase confidently and correctly.

Understanding these frequent mistakes will prevent confusion and help you communicate more effectively while in English conversations and writing:

Confusing "on account of" with "on your account": These phrases have completely different meanings. "On account of" expresses causation, while "on your account" means "for your sake."

• Incorrect: "Don't worry on my account" (meaning don't worry because of me causing something)

• Correct: "Don't worry on my account" (meaning don't worry for my sake)

• Correct: "The meeting was delayed on account of technical issues"

Using redundant causal phrases: Avoid combining "on account of" with other causal words. These create unnecessary repetition and confuse your message.

• Incorrect: "Because on account of the rain, we stayed inside"

• Incorrect: "Due to on account of budget cuts, the project was cancelled"

• Correct: "On account of the rain, we stayed inside"

Incorrect sentence structure: "On account of" requires a noun phrase or gerund following it, never a complete clause.

• Incorrect: "We left early on account of we were tired"

• Correct: "We left early on account of the storm" (noun phrase)

• Correct: "We left early on account of feeling tired" (gerund)

Poor positioning choices: While grammatically flexible, certain positions sound more natural than others.

• Awkward: "On account of rain, the game was cancelled"

• Better: "The game was cancelled on account of rain"

Using overly formal language inappropriately: Match formality to context for natural communication.

• Inappropriate for casual talk: "I'm late on account of traffic"

• Better for casual talk: "I'm late because of traffic"

• Appropriate for formal writing: "The delay occurred on account of unexpected traffic conditions"

These mistakes often stem from insufficient understanding of formal language registers and appropriate contextual usage in English communication.

V. Exercises on On account of in English with answers

To better understand the usage of "on account of" while in English practice, let's complete the exercise below with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences using the On account of in English:

1. Maria was told to wear flat shoes because she has a back problem.

2. We delayed our departure because the weather was bad.

3. The President declined to deliver the speech himself because he had a sore throat.

4. Jack had to step down because he had poor health.

5. The ancient Roman army was centesimated because of mutiny tendencies.

6. Games are often canceled because it is raining.

7. Robert doesn't drink alcohol because of his health.

8. Anna is distinctly gloomy tonight because of the seaweed aperitif.

9. The old worker retired because he is old.

10. Both his first and second wives divorced him because of his womanizing.

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences with On account of

1. __________ the heavy rain, the football match was postponed.

2. She couldn't attend the meeting __________ her illness.

3. __________ his great performance, he was promoted to a higher position.

4. The flight was delayed __________ the fog.

5. __________ the new regulations, many companies had to adjust their policies.

6. The project was delayed __________ (lack) of resources.

7. __________ (rain) heavily, the outdoor event was canceled.

8. He was praised __________ (work) hard on the new project.

9. The team won the championship __________ (train) diligently every day.

10. She received an award __________ (volunteer) in many community services.

11. __________ (he / work) very hard, he managed to complete the project on time.

12. The picnic was canceled __________ (it / rain) heavily.

13. She didn't come to the party __________ (she / have) to study for her exams.

14. __________ (the traffic / be) very heavy, they arrived late to the meeting.

15. He was not able to finish his work __________ (he / feel) unwell.

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1:

1. Maria was told to wear flat shoes on account of her back problem.

2. We delayed our departure on account of the bad weather.

3. The President declined to deliver the speech himself on account of a sore throat.

4. Jack had to step down on account of poor health.

5. The ancient Roman army was centesimated on account of mutiny tendencies.

6. Games are often canceled on account of rain.

7. Robert doesn't drink alcohol on account of his health.

8. Anna is distinctly gloomy tonight on account of the seaweed aperitif.

9.  The old worker retired on account of age.

10. Both his first and second wives divorced him on account of his womanizing.

Exercise 2:

1. On account of the heavy rain, the football match was postponed.

2. She couldn't attend the meeting on account of her illness.

3. On account of his great performance, he was promoted to a higher position.

4. The flight was delayed on account of the fog.

5. On account of the new regulations, many companies had to adjust their policies.

6. The project was delayed on account of lacking resources.

7. On account of raining heavily, the outdoor event was canceled.

8. He was praised on account of working hard on the new project.

9. The team won the championship on account of training diligently every day.

10. She received an award on account of volunteering in many community services.

11. On account of the fact that he worked very hard, he managed to complete the project on time.

12. The picnic was canceled on account of the fact that it was raining heavily.

13. She didn't come to the party on account of the fact that she had to study for her exams.

14. On account of the fact that the traffic was very heavy, they arrived late to the meeting.

15. He was not able to finish his work on account of the fact that he felt unwell.

"On account of" represents more than just another way to say "because of"—it's a gateway to more sophisticated, professional English communication. By understanding its proper usage, avoiding common mistakes, and recognizing appropriate contexts, you'll communicate with greater skill and cultural awareness while in English interactions. Practice incorporating this phrase naturally into your professional vocabulary, and watch your English fluency reach new heights of eloquence and precision.