are attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are attributable to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be credited or attributed to a particular cause, source, or factor. It can also be used to suggest that a certain behavior or outcome is a result of a specific reason or influence. Example: "The recent increase in crime rates can be largely attributed to the economic downturn and high unemployment rates in the area." In this example, "are attributable to" is used to indicate the reason behind the increase in crime rates. Other examples of using this phrase in a sentence could be: - The success of this project is largely attributable to the hard work and dedication of our team. - The rise in obesity rates can be attributed to the overconsumption of processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. - The decrease in air pollution levels is attributable to the implementation of stricter environmental regulations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

differences between individuals are attributable to heredity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet he incorrectly implies they are attributable to radiation.

The New York Times

Some of the offensive improvements are attributable to shot makeup.

The Washington Post

$87 to the extent such taxes are attributable to beer.

Cornell University

Only the hymns, or Gāthās, are attributable to Zarathustra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These properties are attributable to their metallic bonding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other topographic features are attributable to colonial organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many bloom failures are attributable to insufficient sun or overabundant fertilizer.

The New York Times

"Almost none of our revenues are attributable to My.MP3.com currently," Mr. Robertson said.

The New York Times

Debate continues about the degree to which personal traits are attributable to environmental and genetic factors.

The New York Times

Up to 80% of campylobacter infections are attributable to contaminated poultry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are attributable to" when you want to clearly establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two elements. This phrase adds a level of formality and authority to your writing, making it suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are attributable to" in casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "are due to" or "are caused by" may be more appropriate and natural in everyday conversation or less formal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are attributable to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its cause. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to establish a clear relationship between two elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are attributable to" is a formal and widely used way to indicate causation, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, noting its role in establishing clear cause-and-effect relationships. While suitable for professional and analytical writing, simpler alternatives like "are due to" or "are caused by" may be more appropriate for informal settings. When using "are attributable to", ensure a clear connection between the subject and the cause to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are due to

Emphasizes direct causation; often used interchangeably but can sometimes imply a more immediate cause.

are ascribable to

Similar to "are attributable to" but often used in more formal or academic writing.

are caused by

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

stem from

Implies origin or source; suitable for describing how something develops from a particular starting point.

result from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of something, often in a formal or academic setting.

arise from

Suggests emergence or origination, useful for describing problems or issues that develop from specific conditions.

are a consequence of

Highlights the consequence or effect of an action or event.

can be traced to

Implies investigation or discovery of the origin; often used to link effects to distant causes.

originate from

Stresses the beginning or point of origin; suitable for historical or developmental explanations.

are imputed to

Suggests assigning responsibility or blame, often used in legal or ethical contexts.

FAQs

What does "are attributable to" mean?

The phrase "are attributable to" means that something can be regarded as having been caused by or resulted from a specific factor or source.

How can I use "are attributable to" in a sentence?

Use "are attributable to" to indicate a causal relationship. For example: "The company's losses "are attributable to" poor management."

What can I say instead of "are attributable to"?

You can use alternatives like "are due to", "are caused by", or "stem from" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "are attributable to" and "are due to"?

While both phrases indicate causation, "are attributable to" is generally considered more formal than "are due to". "Are attributable to" is often preferred in academic or professional writing.