can be attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a particular source or person as the originator of something. For example, "The success of the project can be attributed to the hard work of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

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

This can be attributed to a number of factors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "is due to" or "stems from" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "can be attributed to" when the relationship is merely a correlation. Ensure there is a strong, logical connection rather than a speculative association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be attributed to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its cause or source. It indicates that something is likely caused or explained by a particular factor. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be attributed to" serves as a pivotal phrase for establishing causality, commonly deployed across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability, underscoring its efficacy in clarifying cause-and-effect relationships. When using this phrase, ensure a strong connection between cause and effect. While versatile, alternative expressions such as "is due to" or "stems from" can enrich writing by preventing repetition. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overstated causation, and opt for this phrase when aiming for clarity and explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be credited to

Emphasizes recognition or acknowledgment of a positive cause or achievement.

is due to

Indicates a direct causal relationship, often used in formal contexts.

stems from

Suggests an origin or root cause, implying a gradual development.

results from

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a specific cause.

is caused by

Directly states the cause-and-effect relationship.

is a consequence of

Focuses on the result as an inevitable outcome of a preceding action or event.

arises from

Suggests the emergence or development of something from a particular source.

is a product of

Implies that something is the result of a process or combination of factors.

can be traced to

Indicates the ability to follow the origin or development back to a specific source.

is linked to

Suggests a connection or association, without necessarily implying direct causation.

FAQs

What does "can be attributed to" mean?

The phrase "can be attributed to" means that something is caused or explained by a particular thing or person. It suggests a causal relationship where the thing being attributed is the result of the cause.

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

You can use "can be attributed to" to indicate the reason or cause of an event or characteristic. For example, "The company's success can be attributed to its innovative marketing strategies."

What can I say instead of "can be attributed to"?

You can use alternatives like "is due to", "stems from", or "results from" depending on the context.

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

"Can be attributed to" suggests possibility or likelihood, while "is attributed to" indicates a definite or confirmed cause. The choice depends on the certainty of the connection you are making.