be the work of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the work of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to attribute a creation or action to a specific person or group, often in the context of art, literature, or other forms of work. Example: "The stunning mural in the city center is believed to be the work of a renowned local artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could they really be the work of Javier?

The New York Times - Magazine

Recreating it will be the work of many generations".

The Guardian

Getting them to dance will be the work of years.

The Guardian - Opinion

It must be the work of the world.

The Washington Post

"Sharadiant" (2000) might be the work of an eccentric housewife.

The New York Times - Arts

It could be the work of another artist.

The New York Times - Arts

Arctic mirages were once thought to be the work of angels; they are now known to be the work of angles.

The Guardian - Books

Setting it right, if it can be set right, will be the work of a generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police at first thought this story of a voicemail must be the work of a hoaxer.

The Guardian

Interpreting and making use of it will be the work of decades.

The New York Times

All could be the work of an ancient-maker or an obsessive child.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing work, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the "work" being assigned. For instance, specify whether you're referring to the design, execution, or overall concept.

Common error

Avoid consistently using the passive voice when using the phrase "be the work of." Actively identify the creator or source to enhance clarity and engagement. For example, instead of saying "The project is believed to be the work of the marketing team," say "The marketing team created the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the work of" functions as a predicate nominative, attributing a creation, action, or outcome to a specific agent or cause. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly links a subject to its creator or origin, indicating responsibility or authorship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be the work of" serves to attribute creations, actions, or outcomes to a specific agent or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, predominantly in news and media, arts, and books. While generally neutral in register, its use tends towards professional contexts needing clear attribution. Consider context to maintain clarity when attributing work or results. Remember to avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the creation of

Similar to "be created by" but puts more weight on the act of creation itself.

be created by

Directly indicates the act of creation by a specific entity.

be attributed to

Specifically indicates that something is credited to someone.

be the product of

Emphasizes the result or outcome of an action or process.

be the handiwork of

Suggests skillful or artistic creation, often with a personal touch.

originate from

Focuses on the source or beginning of something.

stem from

Indicates that something arises or originates from a particular source or cause.

result from

Highlights the causal relationship where something is a consequence of something else.

arise from

Similar to "stem from", emphasizing the emergence or development from a source.

be the responsibility of

Shifts the focus to accountability or obligation for a task or action.

FAQs

How can I use "be the work of" in a sentence?

The phrase "be the work of" is used to attribute something to a specific person, group, or cause. For example, "The intricate design is believed to "be the work of" a local artisan" or "The improvements are said to "be the work of" the new management team."

What are some alternatives to "be the work of"?

Alternatives to "be the work of" include phrases like "be created by", "be attributed to", "originate from", or "result from", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "be the work of" or "be the result of"?

The choice between "be the work of" and "be the result of" depends on the context. "Be the work of" suggests intentional creation or effort by someone, while "be the result of" implies a consequence or outcome. For example, "The painting is the work of Van Gogh" versus "The damage was the result of the storm."

Can "be the work of" be used for both positive and negative attributions?

Yes, "be the work of" can be used to attribute both positive and negative actions or creations. For example, "The masterpiece is said to "be the work of" a genius artist" or "The vandalism appears to "be the work of" disgruntled employees."