can be attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that something is caused by something else. For example, "The increase in population can be attributed to improved health care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The errors can be attributed to oversight".

The New York Times

"This can be attributed to technology.

The Guardian

This development can be attributed, to some extent, to biology.

The Guardian

Some of that can be attributed to a bad hip.

The New York Times - Sports

Much of that can be attributed to Carnegie's zippy prose.

The New Yorker

"Some of it can be attributed to the newspaper portfolio".

The New York Times

Many other talents can be attributed to Kicca.

The New York Times

Mr. Webre's eclecticism can be attributed to his dance background.

The New York Times - Arts

More credibly, some can be attributed to his literary associates.

The Guardian - Books

The rest of its appeal can be attributed to skill.

The New York Times

No blame can be attributed for freakish elements.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the degree to which something "can be attributed". For instance, use qualifiers like "partially", "largely", or "solely" to indicate the extent of the influence.

Common error

Avoid using "can be attributed" when the relationship between the cause and effect is speculative or based on weak evidence. Instead, use phrases like "may be linked to" or "might be associated with" to indicate uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be attributed" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a causal relationship. It suggests that a particular outcome, characteristic, or event is caused by or associated with something else. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be attributed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a causal relationship. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that something is caused or influenced by something else. With a high expert rating and prevalent use in formal contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing causation clearly and professionally. To ensure accurate and compelling communication, be mindful of overstating claims and support your statements with solid evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be ascribed to

Uses 'ascribed' instead of 'attributed', implying an assignment of cause or characteristic.

can be traced back to

Focuses on the origin or source, emphasizing a historical connection.

is due to

A more direct causal link, highlighting the immediate reason or factor.

stems from

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

is a result of

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a specific action or event.

is caused by

Directly states the cause-and-effect relationship between two elements.

is a consequence of

Similar to "is a result of", but may imply a less direct or more complex relationship.

is linked to

Suggests an association or connection, but not necessarily a direct causal relationship.

is a product of

Emphasizes the creation or generation of something by a particular factor or process.

derives from

Highlights the origin or source from which something is obtained or developed.

FAQs

How can I use "can be attributed" in a sentence?

Use "can be attributed" to indicate that something is caused or influenced by something else. For example, "The project's success "can be attributed" to the team's hard work".

What are some alternatives to "can be attributed"?

Alternatives include "is due to", "can be traced back to", or "stems from". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is attributed to" or "can be attributed to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "can be attributed to" suggests possibility or potential, while "is attributed to" implies a more definite or confirmed causal relationship.

Can "can be attributed to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "can be attributed to" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express causation or influence, as seen in examples from sources like The New York Times and academic publications.