B1noun1K

Account

UK /["/əˈkaʊnt/"]/US /["/əˈkaʊnt/"]/

Definition

an arrangement that somebody has with a bank, etc. to keep money there, take some out, etc.

In simple words: A record of money or information.

Examples

  • I need to check my bank account to see how much money I have.
  • The accountant prepared the annual financial account for review.
  • You must open an account before you can start online banking.
  • Her account of the event was very detailed and informative.
  • In his account, he mentioned several key incidents that led to the success.
  • She created a social media account to connect with friends.
  • Based on our account, they should arrive by noon.
  • For an accurate account of historical events, it's important to consult multiple sources.

Usage notes

Use 'account' in business or financial contexts. It’s appropriate when talking about finances, banking, or storytelling. Avoid using in casual conversations unless relevant.

Grammar pattern

account + for + noun

Memory hint

Think of an 'account' as a tall stack of bills you need to keep track of.

Collocations

  • bank
  • building-society
  • checking
  • have
  • hold
  • close
  • number
  • holder
  • balance
  • account at
  • account with
  • expense
  • charge
  • credit
  • have
  • create
  • open
  • on account
  • account at
  • account with
  • brief
  • short
  • blow-by-blow
  • give (somebody)
  • offer
  • provide (somebody with)
  • in an/​the account
  • by all accounts
  • by somebody’s own account
  • brief
  • short
  • blow-by-blow
  • give (somebody)
  • offer
  • provide (somebody with)
  • in an/​the account
  • by all accounts
  • by somebody’s own account
  • profit and loss account
  • accounts payable
  • accounts receivable
  • do
  • keep
  • audit
  • be in order
  • account book
  • account balance
  • expense
  • charge
  • credit
  • have
  • create
  • open
  • on account
  • account at
  • account with

Synonyms

  • report
  • statement
  • record
  • narrative
  • description

Antonyms

  • debt
  • deficit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'account for' which means to explain.
  • Using 'account' as a verb without 'for'.
  • Saying 'the account of' instead of 'the account for'.