Phrasal verb
count for
Meanings
to be important or have an influence on the result of something
to be included when calculating or considering a total
Definition
To count for something is to be important or have an effect in a situation.
To count for means to matter, to be valued, or to make a difference. It is often used to say that a person, effort, or factor has importance in the final result. It can also mean that something is included when you calculate or consider a total.
Examples
- Every vote counts for something in a close election.
- Her experience counts for a lot when the team is under pressure.
- I know my opinion counts for little here, but I still want to share it.
- Do these extra minutes count for the final score?
- Their support counted for more than they realized during the project.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "count for" with "count on"—"count for" means "matter," while "count on" means "rely on."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.