on this/that account

Are you using the idiom on this/that account but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the on this/that account idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "on this/that account"

Meaning

The phrase ‘on this/that account’ is an idiom which is used to refer to a reason for a certain course of action or opinion. It is used to refer to a particular thing that has been taken into account when making a decision or when forming an opinion. It is a common phrase which is used in spoken and written English.

Etymology

The origins of the phrase ‘on this/that account’ are unclear. It appears to have arisen as a variation of the phrase ‘in this/that account’ which is found in 16th century English texts. It is likely that this phrase was derived from the Latin term ‘hunc/illic’ which means ‘on this/that side’.

Usage

The phrase ‘on this/that account’ is often used in both spoken and written English. It can be used to refer to a particular point taken into account when making a decision or when forming an opinion. It is usually used when there are several factors that need to be considered when making a decision or forming an opinion.

For example, it can be used in the context of making a decision about a job offer. You might say: “I think I will accept the job offer, on this account.” This means that you have taken into account all the factors that made you decide to accept the job offer and this is the main factor that has weighed in your decision.

Example Sentences

• I decided against renting the house, on that account.
• I think I will go for the more expensive option, on this account.
• I don't think I will attend the party, on this account.
• I think I will choose this college, on this account.
• I have decided to take the job, on that account.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.