Taking this into account

You can use this phrase in a few different spots in a sentence. Most commonly, it acts as a bridge between a fact and a result. You might say, "The hotel is expensive, but taking this into account, it’s still the best option because it’s right next to the beach." You can also start a sentence with it to set the stage: "Taking into account the recent delays, we should probably leave an hour earlier." Notice how the word this can be replaced by the actual thing you are considering. It’s flexible like that! Just remember not to crowd it with too many other prepositions. It likes its space.

This phrase lives in the "Professional & Polished" neighborhood. It’s the gold standard for C1-level English because it sounds intelligent without being robotic. You’ll find it all over academic essays, business reports, and serious emails to your landlord. However, don't be afraid to use it with friends when you're discussing something important. If you're planning a group trip and someone mentions a budget limit, saying "Taking that into account, maybe we should book the Airbnb instead of the Hilton" makes you sound like the responsible adult of the group. It’s less "corporate drone" and more "thoughtful strategist."

Think about your Netflix queue. You want to watch a three-hour epic movie, but it's already 11:00 PM. Taking the time into account, you decide to watch a 20-minute sitcom instead. Or imagine you're job hunting on LinkedIn. You see a great role, but the commute is an hour each way. In the interview, you might say, "Taking the travel time into account, I’d like to discuss the possibility of remote work two days a week." It even works for fitness! If your legs are sore from yesterday's run, you might say, "Taking my recovery into account, I'll just do some light stretching today." It’s the ultimate phrase for people who actually think before they act.

Use this phrase when the "thing" you are considering is a deal-breaker or a significant influence. Use it when you want to sound balanced and fair. It’s perfect for performance reviews at work ("Taking your high sales figures into account, we are happy to offer a bonus"). It’s also great for travel vlogging when you’re explaining why you chose a specific route. If you want to show that you’ve done your homework and aren't just making random guesses, this is your go-to expression. It adds a layer of "I’ve thought this through" to anything you say.

Don't use this for tiny, impulsive decisions. If you're choosing between a blue pen and a black pen, saying "Taking the ink color into account, I'll choose the blue one" sounds a bit like you’re trying too hard to be a philosophy professor. It's also not a replacement for "because." Don't say "I'm tired taking into account I slept late." That sounds clunky. Keep it for situations where there is a clear "input" (the fact) and a "calculated output" (the decision). If there's no real thinking involved, just stick to simpler words like "because of" or "since."

Learners often trip up on the prepositions here. One common error is saying ✗ taking in account. You need that into! Another mistake is ✗ taking for account. That sounds like you're trying to pay a bill. Some people also try to make it plural: ✗ taking into accounts. Unless you are literally a bank manager looking at twenty different savings accounts, keep it singular. Remember: ✓ Taking this into account. It’s a fixed package. Don't try to unwrap it or swap the parts, or it might lose its magic.

If you want to mix things up, you can use taking this into consideration. It’s almost identical, though maybe 5% more formal. For a shorter, punchier vibe, try given that. For example, "Given the weather, we should stay inside." If you’re feeling a bit more academic, you might use in light of this. This sounds like you’ve just discovered a new scientific fact. In casual texting, people often just say considering.... Like, "Considering it's raining, I'm staying home." Each variation has its own little flavor, but taking into account remains the most balanced of the bunch.

Is it too formal for a text? Not if you're planning something big with friends. Is this mandatory? No, you can say taking everything into account or taking the costs into account. Can I use it at the end of a sentence? Yes, though it's less common. "We decided to go, taking the risks into account." Does it mean the same as considering? Yes, but it feels a bit more intentional and weightier. It suggests a more serious mental process than just a passing thought.