be ascribable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be ascribable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be attributed to a particular cause or source. Example: "The increase in sales can be ascribable to the new marketing strategy implemented last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The cardioprotective effect of squalene might be ascribable to its antioxidant property and membrane stabilizing action.

Pharmacological Research

Other HRCT findings such as consolidations and nodules might be ascribable to lung super infection.

Annals of Intensive Care

Strikingly, this cannot be ascribable to the use of targeted therapies that did not differ across the two study periods.

Annals of Intensive Care

This finding may be ascribable to the difference in patient-measurement device interface between pre- and post-extubation [28, 29].

Annals of Intensive Care

Such behaviors may be ascribable to competition phenomena between the two ions for both root absorption and negative charges on cellular matrices or apoplast components.

Rice

Randomization increases the reliability of a study and allows final differences to be ascribable to the treatment and not to random or systematic errors [49].

Progress in Orthodontics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

His attitude, said the interviewer, was ascribable to irritation at a photo shoot which had preceded filming.

The Guardian - Film

The Calvinistic tone of the Scottish Reformation was ascribable to John Knox, who became the leader of the Scottish Reformation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be fair to Harry and Paul, some of the creakiness is ascribable to teething problems at this first performance of their tour.

The Guardian

The absence of criminal intent -- the intention -- does not rule out the guilt/responsibility that is ascribable to negligence, imprudence or even simply inexperience.

The Guardian

This is ascribable to the slots being oversized with respect to the manufacturers' claims.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be ascribable to" to attribute a specific cause or reason, especially in formal or scientific writing where precision is valued. Consider using more common alternatives like "be due to" in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be ascribable to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives such as "is because of" or "is due to" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ascribable to" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a cause or reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to attribute a particular outcome or characteristic to a specific origin or source. It is used to express causality, attributing something to a cause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

86%

News & Media

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be ascribable to" is a useful tool for expressing causality, especially in formal and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it connects a subject to a cause or reason, providing an explanation or justification. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's best to avoid overuse in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific sources, demonstrating its suitability for academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attributable to

Emphasizes the quality or characteristic that makes something logically follow.

be due to

A more common and versatile alternative, indicating direct causation or reason.

be caused by

A direct and clear way of stating causation, suitable for general use.

be the result of

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a particular action or event.

be traceable to

Highlights the ability to follow a cause back to its origin or source.

be imputed to

Suggests attributing something, often blame or responsibility, to someone or something.

be explained by

Indicates that something can be understood or accounted for by a specific factor.

be put down to

An idiomatic alternative, common in British English, suggesting a possible but not definite cause.

be associated with

Indicates a correlation or connection between two things, without necessarily implying direct causation.

be linked to

Similar to "be associated with", suggesting a connection or relationship.

FAQs

What does "be ascribable to" mean?

The phrase "be ascribable to" means that something can be attributed to a specific cause, reason, or origin. It's used to indicate a connection or relationship where one thing is the result or consequence of another.

How can I use "be ascribable to" in a sentence?

You can use "be ascribable to" to link an effect to its cause. For example: "The project's success can "be ascribable to" the team's dedication."

What are some alternatives to "be ascribable to"?

Some alternatives include "be attributable to", "be due to", or "be caused by". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "is ascribable to" or "can be ascribable to"?

Both "is ascribable to" and "can be ascribable to" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Is ascribable to" suggests a definite cause, while "can be ascribable to" suggests a possible or potential cause.