ascribed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"ascribed to" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is being attributed or linked to a particular person, group, or idea. For example: "The phrase 'an eye for an eye' is often ascribed to the ancient Babylonian Code of Hammurabi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over 100 murders ascribed to Ferguson alone.

The New York Times

I ascribed to him a worldly wisdom.

The New York Times

Some 34,814 are ascribed to murder.

The Guardian

"He has ascribed to me some magical, God-like powers".

The New York Times

He has ascribed to me some magical, godlike powers.

The New York Times

The increase was ascribed to cost reductions that increased margins.

The New York Times

So much importance is ascribed to that role.

The Guardian

His abrupt mood swings have since been ascribed to epilepsy.

The Guardian - Film

That heroism isn't necessarily ascribed to his single mum friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A lot of integrity ascribed to a news anchor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His failure was soon ascribed to divine protection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ascribed to", ensure that the subject to which something is being ascribed is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ascribed to" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascribed to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being attributed or assigned to someone or something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common and accepted way to express attribution. Examples show it often links a cause, quality, or origin to a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ascribed to" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to attribute qualities, characteristics, origins, or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase. Analysis of its usage reveals that it is most frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "attributed to" or "credited to" exist, "ascribed to" remains a versatile and authoritative choice for indicating attribution in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attributed to

This alternative is nearly synonymous, directly indicating the assignment of a quality or cause.

credited to

This alternative emphasizes recognition or acknowledgement of achievement or responsibility.

assigned to

This alternative suggests a more formal or official allocation of something.

imputed to

This alternative implies that something is attributed, often in a negative or accusatory way.

attributed the cause to

This alternative explicitly indicates that something is considered a reason or explanation for something else.

linked to

This alternative suggests an association or connection between two things.

associated with

This alternative emphasizes a connection or relationship between two things.

blamed on

This alternative suggests that someone or something is held responsible for a negative outcome.

explained by

This alternative indicates that something is made understandable or accounted for by something else.

stemming from

This alternative suggests that something originates or arises from a particular source or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "ascribed to" in a sentence?

You can use "ascribed to" to indicate that a particular quality, characteristic, or origin is attributed to someone or something. For example, "The discovery was "attributed to" years of research".

What are some alternatives to "ascribed to"?

Alternatives to "ascribed to" include "attributed to", "credited to", or "assigned to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "ascribed to" and "attributed to"?

"Ascribed to" and "attributed to" are often used interchangeably. However, "ascribed to" can sometimes imply a less direct or certain connection than "attributed to".

Can "ascribed to" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"Ascribed to" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it is more commonly found in formal contexts such as academic papers and news reports. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred.