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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
attributed by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"attributed by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the source of something, usually information or a quote. For example: The quote, "Today is a good day," is attributed by John Smith.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
–For each fact or quotation, identify the source attributed by the reporter.
News & Media
One of the ex-directory numbers was attributed by Whittamore to Milly's family home.
News & Media
In reality, most of the problems attributed by them to demographics have very different causes.
News & Media
The father died after a stroke and heart attack, attributed by his doctor to the campaign against the family.
News & Media
Supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones.
Encyclopedias
I once argued with the writer Jan Morris against the nonsense attributed by some Welsh to Owen Glendower.
News & Media
Neil Kinnock's failure to attract female voters was attributed by some to his bald pate.
News & Media
The electrical effects were thus attributed by Faraday to a changing magnetic flux.
Encyclopedias
The 2013 theft was attributed by the company to be a cause of the breach in April 2015.
News & Media
"They have almost identical dimensions and have both been attributed by scholars to El Greco's Italian period," she explained.
News & Media
Pratt died in 1863 of pneumonia, attributed by the press to his wearing tropical clothing in inclement weather.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "attributed by", ensure you clearly identify the source to maintain credibility and avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid consistently using passive constructions with "attributed by" as it can sometimes obscure the agent performing the action. Instead, consider rephrasing to an active voice for clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "attributed by" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces the source or agent to whom a particular action, quality, or statement is assigned. Ludwig's examples show it clearly linking subjects with their perceived origins.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "attributed by" is a versatile phrase used to clearly indicate the source of information, actions, or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While being mostly neutral to formal, it's crucial to clearly identify the source to maintain credibility. Remember to avoid overuse of passive voice constructions and consider alternative phrasing for enhanced clarity. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for precise communication, especially in contexts requiring accurate attribution.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
ascribed to
Similar to "attributed by" but can also imply a less certain or more speculative attribution.
according to
Highlights that the information comes from a specific source.
credited to
Focuses on giving recognition or acknowledgement to the originator.
sourced from
Indicates the origin or supplier of information or materials.
stated by
Directly indicates that someone has made a particular statement.
reported by
Specifies that the information has been reported by a news outlet or other reporting body.
assigned to
Emphasizes the act of assigning responsibility or origin to someone or something.
derived from
Suggests that something originates or is developed from a particular source.
identified by
Focuses on the act of identifying a source or cause.
given by
Simple way of indicating who provided information or a statement.
FAQs
How do I properly use "attributed by" in a sentence?
Use "attributed by" to indicate the source of a statement, idea, or characteristic. For example: "The success was "attributed by" the CEO to the team's hard work."
What's a more formal alternative to "attributed by"?
A more formal alternative to "attributed by" could be "ascribed to", which carries a similar meaning but is often used in more academic or formal writing contexts.
Can "attributed by" be used to describe a quality of a person?
Yes, "attributed by" can describe a quality, characteristic, or action that is believed to be caused by or associated with a person or thing. For example: "Her quick wit was "attributed by" her friends to her sharp intellect."
What is the difference between "attributed by" and "according to"?
"Attributed by" implies a cause or characteristic assigned to something, whereas "according to" simply indicates the source of information without necessarily implying causation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested