On account of means because of, due to. The reason that follows it is a noun: on account of the weather. It sounds formal and a bit old-fashioned: you'll see it more often in notices, news and business letters than in conversation, where people say because of.
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on account of + noun/-ing; On account of + noun, + clause; clause + on account of + noun
- The flight was delayed on account of strong winds over the airport.
- On account of his back problems, my father no longer carries heavy bags.
- The library will close early on Friday on account of staff training.
What changed
First versionThe outdoor concert was cancelled on account of it was raining heavily.
RevisionThe outdoor concert was cancelled because it was raining heavily.
Since on account of gives a reason, it's tempting to put a whole clause after it, as after because. But after on account of, the reason is a noun: on account of heavy rain. If a subject and verb follow (it was raining), you need because. So only the linking phrase was changed.
Don't confuse it with on no account, meaning “under no circumstances”: On no account should you share your password. That's a ban, not a reason, and when it starts a sentence, the word order changes: should you. And take into account means “consider”: Take the traffic into account.
Your turn
The museum is closed this week ___ repairs to the roof.
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on account of — The gap is followed by repairs to the roof, a noun naming the reason without a verb of its own. Before a noun like that, you need on account of. Because needs a whole clause: because the roof is being repaired.
Write a notice for neighbours or colleagues saying that something is temporarily out of service: the lift, the car park or the canteen. Give the reason with on account of and say how long it will be out of service.
The lift in Building 2 will not work until Thursday on account of planned maintenance.
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