answer for

You must explain or accept blame for something you did wrong.

• You must answer for your actions.
• The director answered for the mistakes of his staff.
• Who will answer for the damage?

How to use it: answer for something (The manager must answer for the missing money.); answer to someone for something (You will answer to the board for this failure.)

Similar words: be accountable for, be responsible for

Common phrases: answer for something, answer for crimes, answer for mistakes

You give a reply instead of another person or on their behalf.

• Let me answer for him.
• Her assistant answered for her during the interview.
• Can you answer for your brother, or should I ask him?

How to use it: answer for someone (The lawyer answered for her client.)

Similar words: reply for, speak for

Common phrases: answer for someone, answer for a client

You say that someone is honest or reliable and accept responsibility for trusting them.

• I can answer for her honesty.
• He answered for his friend when others doubted her.
• Can you answer for the character of this applicant?

How to use it: answer for someone/something (I can answer for his honesty.)

Similar words: vouch for

Common phrases: answer for someone, answer for her honesty

You promise that a payment or duty will be fulfilled, taking responsibility if it is not.

• I will answer for the debt.
• His uncle answered for the loan if he failed to pay.
• Will anyone answer for payment if the company closes?

How to use it: answer for something (Her father agreed to answer for the debt.)

Similar words: guarantee

Common phrases: answer for debts, answer for payment, answer for something