attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"attributed to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are crediting the original source of a quote or idea. For example: The quote, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," is attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later its variability was attributed to vegetation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was sardonically attributed to "Management Trainee.

The Guardian

Many wondrous feats are attributed to him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Twenty deaths were attributed to that quake.

The New York Times

Here the shift is attributed to "flexitarianism".

The New York Times

The book was attributed to "St.

The New York Times

The account was attributed to AEC "scientists".

The New Yorker

(Also attributed to Ann Landers).

The New Yorker

The diary, attributed to Lieut.

The New York Times

The text was attributed to John Stirling Walker.

The New York Times

Many reasons are attributed to this decline.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attributed to", always verify the accuracy of the source and the attributed information to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "attributed to" without proper verification, as misattributing information can lead to inaccuracies and erode your credibility. Always double-check your sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attributed to" serves as a linking verb phrase used to connect a subject (a statement, idea, or work) with its origin or source. It indicates the perceived or accepted origin, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attributed to" is a versatile and commonly used linking verb phrase that serves to credit the origin of a quote, idea, or work. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "credited to" or "ascribed to" exist, "attributed to" maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication purposes. Remember to always verify the accuracy of your sources when using this phrase to maintain credibility. The prevalence of this phrase across authoritative sources underscores its importance in clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

credited to

Emphasizes giving recognition or honor to someone for their work or contribution.

ascribed to

Focuses on assigning a quality or characteristic to someone or something, often based on inference.

assigned to

Indicates a formal allocation or designation of responsibility or origin.

regarded as

Highlights the general opinion or perception of something's origin or cause.

linked to

Suggests a connection or association between two things, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

traced to

Implies discovering the origin or source of something through investigation or research.

said to be by

Indicates that something is reported or rumored to be from a particular source, often without confirmation.

believed to be from

Similar to 'said to be by' but suggests a stronger degree of conviction or acceptance.

considered the work of

Emphasizes the assessment or judgment of something as originating from a specific person or entity.

recognized as originating from

Highlights the acknowledgment and acceptance of something's source or origin.

FAQs

How do I use "attributed to" in a sentence?

Use "attributed to" to credit a statement, idea, or work to its originator. For example, "The quote is "attributed to" Albert Einstein".

What can I say instead of "attributed to"?

You can use alternatives like "credited to", "ascribed to", or "assigned to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "attributed to" or "by" when citing a source?

"Attributed to" is best when the source is not definitively known or when the information is widely associated with that source. "By" is more appropriate when the source is definitively known and verified.

What's the difference between "attributed to" and "inspired by"?

"Attributed to" means something is believed to originate from a specific source, while "inspired by" means something was influenced by another work or person. They are not interchangeable.