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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