Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
to raise an opinion; to adjust the tone of
comprehend
vacation
voice
remove
full quiz correct answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   Album   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

account for vs amount to



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Use of being + third form | Consider + as
listening exercisestell a friend
Message
Author
account for vs amount to #1 (permalink) Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:21 am   account for vs amount to
 

Hi,
as far as I understand both of these phrasal verbs are similar in the meaning of "constitute" But are they synonymous, e.g. are all of the following correct?

The state-funded health care accounts for 9% of public spending.
The state-funded health care amounts to 9% of public spending.

The money he saved amounts to a small fortune.
The money he saved accounts for a small fortune.

Thanks in advance!
Raf
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 13 Mar 2008
Posts: 95

account for vs amount to #2 (permalink) Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:06 am   account for vs amount to
 

'Accounts for' doesn't work in your second instance. 'Account for' is used to suggest that source is being considered, while 'amount to' is concerned only with quantity.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's
Mister Micawber
Language Coach


Joined: 17 Jul 2005
Posts: 13015

In this story you'll learn everything about the passive voiceEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skillsAre you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!This newsletter tells you all about English! Subscribe to free email English course
Display posts from previous:   
Use of being + third form | Consider + as
ESL Forums | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on ESL EFL Forums
Some links to practice articles in Englishrun vs ranWhat is the meaning of "finely tuned?"The correlation between A and B and C?Use of finite end non-finite verbsSentence: Bihabha has had post graduation degree from India.American slang: "take a club to the head"Meaning of an proverb: Laugh if you want to , he who laughs last laughs longestSentence: If any one asks you who your master is, answer: the Marquis of Carbas.Use of present tense: He knocked at the castle gate, went before the king and...in university or at university?Phrase: Painting was nailed to the wall.use of wish+past perfect tense.

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail