attributable to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attributable to the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something can be traced back to or is the result of specific causes or sources. For example, "Many of the problems at the company are attributable to the lack of communication amongst employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be attributable to the economy.

The New York Times

How many might be considered "attributable" to the disaster?

The New York Times

These are not sums attributable to the vagaries of war.

The Guardian - Opinion

the public transportation costs attributable to the project.

Cornell University

And how are those savings attributable to the ACA?

Harvard University

No hemodynamic abnormalities attributable to the technique were encountered.

Stanford University

Fifteen thousand deaths were directly attributable to the bug.

MIT Technology Review

Seven patients' deaths were directly attributable to the outbreak.

The Washington Post

Timing-wise, they might be attributable to the heroin trade.

The New York Times

Are these differences attributable to the burdens of caregiving?

The New York Times

That is partly attributable to the economic downturn, but not entirely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attributable to the" when you want to formally and objectively state that something is caused or influenced by a particular factor. This phrase is suitable for academic writing, reports, and formal communication where precision is important.

Common error

Be careful not to use "attributable to the" when you only observe a correlation. Causation requires evidence that the factor directly influences the outcome, not just that they occur together. Ensure you have sufficient evidence before asserting direct influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attributable to the" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the cause, origin, or reason for a particular effect or characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attributable to the" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote causation or origin, suitable for formal and neutral registers. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news media, academic writing, and scientific reports. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring a genuine causal link rather than just correlation, to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. Remember to consider your audience and context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality. While Ludwig's examples confirm its common usage, simpler alternatives may be appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Due to the

A common synonym, but it might imply a more direct or obvious cause.

Because of the

A more straightforward expression of causality, lacking the formal tone.

Caused by the

Focuses directly on causation, omitting the nuanced implication of contribution.

Stemming from the

Suggests an origin or source, often implying a gradual development.

Arising from the

Similar to 'stemming from', but can also indicate a less direct consequence.

A result of the

Highlights the outcome or consequence more than the underlying cause.

Originating in the

Emphasizes the place or point of origin, rather than a direct cause.

Ascribed to the

Implies an attribution or assignment of cause, potentially based on belief or interpretation.

Credited to the

Indicates something is attributed to someone or something, often in a positive sense.

Put down to the

An informal expression suggesting a possible, but not necessarily confirmed, cause.

FAQs

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

Use "attributable to the" to indicate a cause or reason for something. For example, "The company's success is largely "attributable to the" innovative marketing strategies implemented this year."

What is a more informal way to say "attributable to the"?

For a less formal tone, you could say "caused by the", "due to the", or "because of the", depending on the context.

Is there a subtle difference between ""attributable to the"" and "due to the"?

"Attributable to the" often suggests a more formal or carefully considered assessment of cause, while "due to the" can be a more direct and immediate expression of cause. The best option depends on the formality and context of your writing.

When should I avoid using "attributable to the"?

Avoid using "attributable to the" in very informal contexts or when speaking, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "caused by the" or "because of the" in those situations.