be attributable to a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be attributable to a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the cause or reason for something, indicating that a particular outcome or effect can be linked to a specific source. Example: "The increase in sales can be attributable to a successful marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may be attributable to a 'charisma' effect, which seems likely to be a general attribute of human perceptions of wildlife.

Plosone

The vigor and adaptability of Mikania micrantha may be attributable to a high biochemical capacity for photosynthesis.

Columbia University

By contrast, the ToM difficulties of children with ASD seem to be attributable to a deeper metarepresentational deficit.

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Polluting emissions from chain grate stoker furnaces may be attributable to a poor combustion-air distribution to the fuel bed.

Journal of the Energy Institute

A fourth category, local incision knickpoints, may be attributable to a variety of factors influencing force:resistance relationships.

Geomorphology

Mr. Gioia said that the decline in book reading might be attributable to a falloff in the reading of nonfiction, although he offered no explicit evidence of that.

The New York Times - Books

We then assessed whether the reduction of synaptic transmission could be attributable to a change in presynaptic excitability, as found in ketotic and non-ketotic calorie restricted rats24.

Nature

Some believe Nomo's lack of control this year might be attributable to a multidirectional instability -- or looseness -- that was detected in his shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

The absence of myelination of human axonal fibers in rodent hosts has also been reported by others11 and may be attributable to a lack of inter-species recognition.

Nature

It is usually sufficiently and artfully peppered with inaccuracies to be attributable to a novice writer, but we know it is not the student's work.

The Guardian

We aimed to investigate whether such infections could be attributable to a variant form of P malariae or a newly emergent Plasmodium species.

The Lancet

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be attributable to a", ensure that the connection between the cause and effect is clear and supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "be attributable to a" when the relationship is merely a correlation, not a direct cause. Ensure a genuine causal link exists before attributing an outcome to a specific factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be attributable to a" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its cause. It serves to identify the source or reason behind a particular phenomenon, as seen in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms this is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be attributable to a" serves as a causal connector, indicating the source or reason behind a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. With high frequency in science, news media, and academic contexts, its primary function is to provide an explanation or justification, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. To ensure accuracy, avoid using this phrase when the relationship is a mere correlation. Alternatives such as ""be due to a"" or ""be ascribed to a"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be traceable to a

This alternative suggests a direct line or path back to the source or cause.

be ascribed to a

This alternative implies assigning a quality or characteristic to a cause.

be due to a

This alternative is a more direct and common way to indicate causation.

be explained by a

This alternative focuses on providing a reason or clarification for something.

stem from a

This alternative suggests that something originates or arises from a particular source.

result from a

This alternative indicates a direct consequence or outcome of a cause.

arise from a

This alternative suggests something emerges or originates from a particular cause.

be a consequence of a

This alternative emphasizes that something is the direct result of a specific action or event.

be linked to a

This alternative implies a connection or association between two things.

be a product of a

This alternative suggests that something is created or generated by a specific factor.

FAQs

How do I use "be attributable to a" in a sentence?

Use "be attributable to a" to indicate the cause or origin of something. For example, "The company's success can "be attributable to a" strong marketing strategy".

What can I say instead of "be attributable to a"?

You can use alternatives like "be due to a", "be ascribed to a", or "be traceable to a" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be attributable to a" or "be attributed to a"?

"Be attributed to" means something is credited to someone or something, while "be attributable to" means something is caused by something. They have distinct meanings.

What's the difference between "be attributable to a" and "be due to a"?

While both phrases indicate causation, ""be due to a"" often implies a more direct and immediate cause, whereas ""be attributable to a"" can suggest a contributing factor among others.