When learning English and preparing for the IELTS exam, using phrasal verbs and academic expressions plays an important role in making your speaking and writing more natural and persuasive. One commonly used phrase is “take into account.”
However, not all learners clearly understand what “take into account” means, how to use it in sentences, or in which contexts it is appropriate for the IELTS test. In this article, IDP will help you explore the structure, meaning, and usage of take into account in detail.
1. What Does “Take into Account” Mean?
Take into account means to consider, evaluate, or include a particular factor before making a decision, judgment, or conclusion. It is a phrasal verb often used when a speaker wants to emphasise that an important piece of information or factor should be included in the decision-making process.
In Vietnamese, take into account can be translated as tính đến, cân nhắc, hoặc xem xét một yếu tố nào đó.
Examples
When making a decision, you should take into account all possible risks.
When judging his performance, you must take into account his lack of experience.
The government must take environmental factors into account when planning new projects.
2. Structures and Usage of “Take into Account”
To use take into account correctly, learners should understand the most common sentence structures and how they are applied in different contexts.
2.1 Structure: Take Something into Account
This is the most basic structure, used when the object is a noun or a short noun phrase.
Structure
S + take + something + into account
Where:
S = subject (person or thing performing the action)
take into account = verb phrase (adjusted according to tense and subject)
something = the factor being considered
Examples
When planning a trip, you should take the weather into account.
Architects must take safety into account when designing buildings.
The company must take customer feedback into account when developing new products.
2.2 Structure: Take into Account + Something
In some cases, take into account appears before the object, especially when the object is a long or complex noun phrase. This helps the sentence sound smoother and clearer.
Structure
S + take into account + noun / noun phrase
Examples
We should take into account the potential environmental impact of this project.
The government needs to take into account environmental impacts when building new factories.
2.3 Structure: Take into Account That + Clause
This structure is used when the speaker wants to emphasise that a fact or piece of information should be considered during evaluation or decision-making.
Structure
S + take into account that + clause
Examples
We should take into account that many students have limited access to technology.
The government must take into account that environmental protection is a long-term issue.
2.4 Passive Structure: Something Should Be Taken into Account
This structure is used when the focus is on the factor that needs to be considered, rather than the person making the decision.
Structure
S + be + taken into account
Examples
All relevant factors must be taken into account before making a final decision.
The historical value of old buildings must be taken into account before demolition plans are approved.
3. Differences Between “Take into Account” and “Consider”
In English, take into account and consider are both used when discussing the process of evaluating something before making a decision. However, they differ slightly in structure, formality, and usage.
Criteria | Take into account | Consider |
|---|---|---|
Meaning | Evaluate a specific factor carefully | Think about something |
Word type | Phrasal verb | Verb |
Structure | S + take into account + noun phrase | S + consider + noun / V-ing |
Usage | Often used in academic writing or analytical arguments | Used flexibly in many contexts |
Example | The government must take environmental impacts into account when planning projects. | Many students consider studying abroad to improve their career prospects. |
4. Synonyms of “Take into Account”
Besides take into account, English also has several other expressions with similar meanings. Learning these alternatives helps you avoid repetition and improve writing quality.
Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
allow for | make provision for | The schedule should allow for unexpected delays. |
bear in mind | remember and consider | You should bear in mind that the exam will be challenging. |
consider | think about | The government should consider environmental impacts before approving the project. |
factor in | include a factor in calculation | The company must factor in market trends before launching the product. |
give thought to | carefully think about | We need to give thought to the long-term effects of this policy. |
keep in mind | remember | Students should keep in mind the importance of time management. |
take into consideration | consider carefully | We need to take the cost into consideration when choosing a solution. |
weigh up | evaluate carefully | She weighed up the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. |
5. Using “Take into Account” in IELTS
IELTS Speaking Part 3
The phrase take into account is very suitable for Speaking Part 3, where candidates are expected to explain opinions and analyse social, educational, or environmental issues.
Using this expression helps you:
present arguments clearly
connect ideas logically
demonstrate analytical thinking
Example
Question: Do you think governments should invest more in public transportation?
Answer:
Yes, I believe governments should invest more in public transportation. When making such decisions, policymakers need to take into account factors such as population growth, traffic congestion, and environmental protection. By improving public transport systems, cities can reduce pollution and provide more convenient mobility for residents.
IELTS Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, take into account is often used when analysing different aspects of an issue or presenting balanced arguments.
Introducing influencing factors
Basic sentence:
Governments should consider the cost of education.
Improved sentence:
Governments should take the financial burden on low-income families into account when increasing university tuition fees.
Using the passive voice
Example:
The historical significance of old buildings must be taken into account before demolition plans are approved.
Using the passive voice makes the argument more objective and formal.
6. Practice Exercises with “Take into Account”
Exercise 1
Rewrite the sentences using take into account.
Example:
You should consider the weather before planning an outdoor event.
Answer:
You should take the weather into account before planning an outdoor event.
Exercise 2
Choose the correct answer.
When making decisions, leaders should ______ public interests.
A. take into account B. take account into
Answer: A
Use “Take into Account” Effectively in IELTS
Understanding what “take into account” means, how to use it, and its common structures will help you express ideas more logically and persuasively in English.
This phrase is not only common in everyday communication but also frequently appears in academic contexts, especially when analysing multiple factors before presenting an argument in IELTS Speaking and Writing.
To improve your English skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam, it is essential to practise using academic expressions regularly. You can start by incorporating take into account into your Speaking responses or Writing essays to become more familiar with its real-life usage.
If you are planning to take the IELTS exam, remember to check IELTS test fees, take an IELTS mock test to evaluate your current level, and choose a suitable test date. Careful preparation today will help you feel more confident in achieving your target IELTS score.
When you are ready, register for IELTS with IDP and begin your journey toward your desired band score.