Which phrase is closest in meaning to "on account of"?

Which phrase is closest in meaning to "on account of"?

• A. By means of
• B. Owing to
• C. Because of this
• D. In general

Answer: (B)

Understanding phrases that express cause helps you choose the right word when you’re paraphrasing or explaining why something happened. On account of signals a reason or cause for an event. The closest match is owing to, because both mean “due to” or “for that reason.” In contrast, by means of describes a method or instrument used to do something, not the reason something happened. Because of this points to a consequence or result of something stated earlier, shifting the emphasis to the effect rather than the cause. In general just means broadly or usually, with no sense of cause. Example: The match was canceled on account of the snow → The match was canceled owing to the snow (or because of the snow).

Understanding phrases that express cause helps you choose the right word when you’re paraphrasing or explaining why something happened. On account of signals a reason or cause for an event. The closest match is owing to, because both mean “due to” or “for that reason.” In contrast, by means of describes a method or instrument used to do something, not the reason something happened. Because of this points to a consequence or result of something stated earlier, shifting the emphasis to the effect rather than the cause. In general just means broadly or usually, with no sense of cause. Example: The match was canceled on account of the snow → The match was canceled owing to the snow (or because of the snow).