be ascribed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be ascribed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to attribute a particular cause, responsibility, authorship, or origin to something. For example, "The success of the project can be ascribed to the hard work of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That being: Never ascribe to malice what can be ascribed to technical incompetence.

TechCrunch

It can be ascribed to two sides.

Molecular Catalysis

Some of this can be ascribed to nostalgia.

The New York Times

Neither of those qualities could be ascribed to the others.

The New York Times - Arts

That, clearly, should be ascribed to judgment, not luck.

The Economist

This can be ascribed to the Mn-improved spillover effect.

Journal of Catalysis

The superior performance can be ascribed to the unique electrode.

Electrochimica Acta

The stability may also be ascribed to Germany's conservative mortgage system.

The New York Times

Terrible diets, trouble at home: not all of this can be ascribed to poverty, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

The discord over Iran can, in part, be ascribed to Rumsfeld's testy relationship with the generals.

The New Yorker

This could be ascribed to the unique conformations of CMCs.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be ascribed to", ensure that the attribution is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "be ascribed to" when the connection between cause and effect is weak or unsubstantiated. Overstating causality can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ascribed to" functions as a passive voice construction used to attribute a cause, reason, or characteristic to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad applicability. It often appears in formal writing to indicate a reasoned or considered assignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be ascribed to" is a versatile phrase used to attribute causes or characteristics, predominantly in formal and scientific writing. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in scientific, news media, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the attribution is well-supported to maintain credibility. While alternatives like "be attributed to" and "be due to" exist, "be ascribed to" often conveys a more considered or reasoned assignment. Therefore, understanding its nuances is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attributed to

Indicates that something is caused by or associated with someone or something, similar to ascribing.

be due to

Directly states that something is caused or produced by something else.

be credited to

Highlights the source or originator of something, focusing on recognition.

be explained by

Indicates a clear causal relationship where one thing clarifies another.

result from

States that something is a consequence or effect of a particular cause.

be blamed on

Specifies that someone or something is considered responsible for a negative outcome.

be put down to

Suggests a cause or explanation, often in a more casual or speculative manner.

be linked to

Shows an association or connection between two or more things.

arise from

Implies that something originates or stems from a particular source or cause.

stem from

Similar to "arise from", indicating origin or derivation.

FAQs

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

Use "be ascribed to" to attribute a particular cause, quality, or characteristic to something. For example, "The project's success can "be ascribed to" the team's dedication".

What are some alternatives to "be ascribed to"?

You can use alternatives like "be attributed to", "be credited to", or "be due to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be ascribed to" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to formally and directly attribute a cause, origin, or characteristic to something. It's often used in academic, scientific, and formal contexts.

What is the difference between "be ascribed to" and "be attributed to"?

While similar, "be ascribed to" often implies a more considered or reasoned attribution, whereas "be attributed to" can be a more general statement of cause or association. They are often interchangeable, but "be ascribed to" carries a slightly more formal tone.