Take Into Account – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever made a choice without thinking about time, cost, or someone’s feelings—and later wished you had? In English, we say you should have taken it into account. This practical phrase means to consider or include something important when making a decision, judgment, or plan. It’s used daily in school, work, and thoughtful conversations.
What Does “Take Into Account” Mean?
“Take into account” means to consider or give attention to a particular fact, detail, or circumstance before deciding or acting. Think of it like adding ingredients to a recipe: if you leave one out, the result might not turn out right. This phrase reminds us that good decisions include all the relevant pieces.
When to Use It
Use “take into account” in neutral, professional, or academic settings:
• In work or business: “We need to take delivery times into account.”
• In school or research: “Your grade takes participation into account.”
• When giving thoughtful advice: “Take your budget into account before booking the trip.”
It’s slightly formal but common in speaking, emails, reports, and discussions. Avoid it in very casual texts (like “lol” chats), but it’s perfect for showing careful thinking.
Example Sentences
- The judge took the defendant’s age into account during sentencing.
- When choosing a car, take fuel efficiency into account.
- Our plan takes weather conditions into account.
- Did you take her allergies into account when ordering dinner?
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Why did we pick this venue?”
Jamie: “It’s affordable, central, and wheelchair accessible. We took everything into account.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t forget the word “into”—it’s always “take into account,” not “take in account” or “take account.” Also, the phrase usually comes before or after the thing being considered, and the structure is: take + [something] + into account.
❌ Don’t say: “We should take in account the time.”
✅ Do say: “We should take the time into account.”
✅ Do say: “Take all factors into account before deciding.”
Practice Tip
Next time you make a small decision—what to eat, when to leave, or what to buy—ask yourself: “What should I take into account?” Then say it: “I need to take traffic into account” or “Take your schedule into account.” This builds thoughtful, fluent English.
Final Note
Now you can use “take into account” to show that you’re thoughtful, fair, and thorough in your decisions. It’s a phrase that signals maturity and attention to detail—used by native speakers in meetings, classrooms, and careful conversations. Keep listening for it in news, advice, and planning talks. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people make better choices. Keep going—you’ve got this!