attributable to a breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attributable to a breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the cause of a problem or issue, indicating that it is due to a failure or malfunction. Example: "The delays in the project timeline were attributable to a breakdown in communication between the teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In part this was attributable to a breakdown in the administration; kings could no longer maintain a specialized machinery for the assessment and collection of the grain tax and other land taxes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the officials said the fact that the secret detention of the captive, who was jailed near the Baghdad airport without records, stretched for seven months was probably attributable to a bureaucratic breakdown.

The New York Times

It is overwhelmingly attributable to a broken health care system.

The New York Times

I think it is attributable, very likely attributable, to a phenomenon that is called perpetuation of racial entitlement.

The New Yorker

And the House is pretty much the same…I think it is attributable, very likely attributable, to a phenomenon that is called perpetuation of racial entitlement.

The New Yorker

They think it's a systemic problem not attributable to a single group.

The Guardian

Some of the change is demographic rather than attributable to a government policy.

The Guardian

This was attributable to a number of reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decline in funds for corporate bonds was not entirely attributable to a new hesitation to lend money to companies.

The New York Times

(Attributable to a Yahoo spokesperson).

TechCrunch

This is most likely attributable to a number of factors.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attributable to a breakdown", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being attributed and what specific breakdown is the cause. This provides clarity and strengthens the causal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "attributable to a breakdown" without specifying the type of breakdown. For instance, instead of saying "the project failed attributable to a breakdown", specify "the project failed attributable to a breakdown in communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attributable to a breakdown" functions as a causal connector, linking a result or consequence to a specific failure or malfunction. It indicates that the breakdown is the direct cause of the observed outcome. Ludwig confirms this use, providing examples where this phrase highlights causal relationships.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attributable to a breakdown" functions as a causal connector, used to link an outcome directly to a specific malfunction or failure. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to explain the root cause of a situation. While this phrase is considered rare in frequency, its use is considered neutral in register, making it applicable across various contexts like encyclopedias, news, and science. To ensure clarity, always specify the type of breakdown when using the phrase. This phrase provides a clear and direct way to link effects to their causes, pinpointing a failure as the root cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused by a failure

Focuses more directly on the failure as the cause.

resulting from a malfunction

Emphasizes the malfunction as the origin of the effect.

due to a system failure

Specifies that the failure occurred within a system.

stemming from a collapse

Suggests a more significant and sudden failure.

arising from a disruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of the underlying issue.

a consequence of a fault

Presents the breakdown as a direct result of an error.

linked to a system crash

Implies a sudden and complete failure of a system.

owing to an interruption

Indicates that something is caused by an unforeseen stoppage.

because of an outage

States the cause is a period when a service is not available.

as a result of a defect

Highlights the cause is some imperfection.

FAQs

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

Use "attributable to a breakdown" to explain that something is the direct result of a specific malfunction or failure. For example, "The project delays were "attributable to a breakdown" in communication".

What are some alternatives to "attributable to a breakdown"?

Alternatives include "caused by a failure", "resulting from a malfunction", or "due to a system failure". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "due to" or "attributable to a breakdown"?

Both phrases indicate causality, but "attributable to a breakdown" is more specific, emphasizing a failure. "Due to" is a more general causal connector. Consider the level of detail needed when choosing between them.

What's the difference between "attributable to a breakdown" and "attributable to a defect"?

"Attributable to a breakdown" suggests a system or process has ceased to function correctly. "Attributable to a defect" suggests a flaw or imperfection from the start. Choose based on whether the problem is a newly occurring malfunction or a pre-existing flaw.