answer for, answer to
The phrasal verb answer for indicates responsibility for an action or an object.
- I can answer only for my own actions, not for anyone else’s.
Answer to means to be accountable to a person or an authority.
- While the deputy minister was away, Coreen answered directly to the minister.
- The religious fanatic felt he had to answer for his acts of civil disobedience to his Creator only, not to civil authorities.
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