attribute to others

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attribute to others" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of assigning a quality, action, or idea to someone else. Example: "In her research, she chose to attribute the findings to others in the field rather than claiming them as her own."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Moravec goes on to note that one of the things we attribute to others is the ability to make attributions of intentionality, and then we make such attributions to ourselves.

SEP

Academic Integrity Academic and scientific integrity compels one to properly attribute to others any work, ideas, or phrasing that one did not create oneself.

Cornell University

And their inability to attribute to others any motivation other than self-interest suggests under-exposure, either in person or through any kind of reading, to the great variety of human outlooks and experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Marc isn't ready to be released because he still wants to attribute to others the responsibility for what he did... Sooner or later, he will come out, but I hope I am no longer of this world when this happens".

Independent

We do attribute to others error and simple difference (without judging that someone is in error) of belief about the same subject matter.

SEP

For Cooper this implies that the moral beliefs we attribute to others must be about something connected with welfare, happiness, suffering, security, and the good life.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We attribute to other people and to animals everything that's on our own minds, and our fantasies, too.

The New York Times - Style

The heterogeneity might attribute to other factors.

BMC Oral Health

PSYCHOLOGISTS call it projection -- attributing to others the behavior that we refuse to recognize in ourselves.

The New York Times

Failure can always be attributed to others' resentment, or others' power.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is far from the only time when Taleb overstates his case, committing errors he attributes to others.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attribute to others" in academic writing, ensure you accurately cite the source you are referencing to maintain academic integrity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences where the subject is unclear. Instead of writing 'The success was attributed to others', be specific: 'Researchers attributed the success to other scientists in the field'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attribute to others" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of assigning qualities, characteristics, or actions to individuals or entities other than oneself. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attribute to others" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for assigning qualities, actions, or ideas to someone else. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase appears in various contexts, including academic, news, and general discussions. While not overly common, its presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability. To enhance clarity in writing, avoid overuse of the passive voice and ensure accurate source citation. Alternatives such as "ascribe to someone else" or "credit to another person" can be used to diversify your language while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascribe to someone else

Focuses on the act of assigning something (like a characteristic or idea) to another entity.

credit to another person

Highlights the act of giving recognition or acknowledging someone else's contribution.

impute to other individuals

Emphasizes assigning blame or responsibility to others.

assign to someone different

Focuses on the act of assigning a task, role, or responsibility to another person.

place the blame on others

Specifically refers to assigning fault or responsibility for a negative outcome to other people.

charge it to someone else

Implies assigning responsibility or a task to another individual, often in a formal or professional context.

connect with another party

Highlights the action of associating or linking something to a different party, whether an individual or a group.

associate with different people

Focuses on the act of linking characteristics, ideas, or actions to different people.

lay at someone else's door

Refers to assigning blame or responsibility to someone in a more indirect way.

pin on another person

Emphasizes assigning guilt or blame to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "attribute to others" in a sentence?

You can use "attribute to others" when discussing the act of assigning a quality, action, or idea to someone else. For example: "In her research, she chose to attribute the findings to others in the field rather than claiming them as her own."

What are some alternatives to "attribute to others"?

Alternatives include "ascribe to someone else", "credit to another person", or "impute to other individuals", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "attribute to others" and "ascribe to others"?

"Attribute to others" generally means to credit or assign something to someone else, while "ascribe to someone else" often implies assigning a quality or characteristic, which can sometimes be less tangible or concrete.

Is it appropriate to use "attribute to others" in formal writing?

Yes, "attribute to others" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic and professional contexts where it's crucial to give credit where it's due. Just ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing.