What does the idiom "on account of" mean?

The phrase on account of is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of on account of.

Meaning of "on account of"

Meaning

The idiom 'on account of' is primarily used to express the reason for or cause of something. It is typically used when explaining why or how something has come about. It is not interchangeable with ‘because of’, as the latter is used to refer specifically to a cause, whereas the former can refer to either a cause or a consequence.

Etymology

The phrase 'on account of' has been used in the English language since at least the late 16th century. It is believed to have originated as an alteration of the longer phrase ‘on account of the’ meaning ‘due to the’, which is still in use today. The phrase was likely shortened over time to its current form, as it was easier and quicker to say.

Usage

'On account of' is frequently used in both written and spoken English. It is typically used to describe the initial cause of something, rather than the result of the action, and as such it is most often deployed as a prepositional phrase. It is also often used to explain why something has not or will not happen, for example: ‘I cancelled my trip on account of the bad weather’. In this case, the phrase is used to explain why the action of cancelling has occurred.

Example Sentences

  • I was late for the meeting on account of the traffic.
  • The concert was cancelled on account of the pandemic.
  • She failed the test on account of her lack of preparation.

The meanings of the words in the "on account of" idiom

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.

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