can be credited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be credited" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone deserves recognition or acknowledgment for a particular achievement or contribution. Example: "Her innovative ideas can be credited with significantly improving the project's outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

However the Germans can be credited with supplying the name.

Stanford University

The reason of grain refinement and main softening mechanism can be credited to dynamic recrystallization.

Catalysis Today

Ms. Bruce, 35, can be credited for Mr. Brown's evolving taste.

The New York Times

Karina can be credited with some of the most recognisable lines from her films with Godard.

Independent

There is much in the capsule that can be credited to her mother.

The New York Times

Can be credited for giving armchair fans a nuanced explanation of exactly how tactics work.

Independent

Much of the increase in bioengineering activity can be credited to electrical engineers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, Mr. Moynihan, he said, can be credited with several firsts.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When it comes to beauty influencers, Kim Kardashian West can be credited as a pioneer.

The New York Times

Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, writing in the Week, says the oil price drop can be credited to conservative energy policies.

BBC

Much of the industry's enthusiasm can be credited to the departure of two abnormal weather patterns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be credited" to positively acknowledge contributions. Avoid using it in contexts where blame or negative attribution is intended.

Common error

Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. While "can be credited" is grammatically correct, ensure it doesn't obscure the actor who performed the action. If clarity is paramount, consider rewriting the sentence in active voice: "The team's dedication credits the project's success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be credited" functions as a passive construction used to attribute merit, responsibility, or causation to a specific entity. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in acknowledging contributions to various fields, such as music, science, and history. Ludwig AI indicates it's perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be credited" is a versatile and commonly used expression to acknowledge contributions, attribute achievements, or assign causality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being credited and to whom. Although the passive voice is valid, balance its use with active voice constructions for more direct and impactful communication. Consider using synonyms like "can be attributed to" or "is due to" to enhance stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be attributed to

Changes the verb to 'attribute', implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

is attributable to

Similar to 'can be attributed to' but with a slightly more formal tone.

can be ascribed to

Uses 'ascribe', suggesting that something is attributed, often speculatively.

is due to

States a direct causal relationship.

can be thanked for

Implies gratitude towards the subject being credited.

is a result of

Highlights the outcome or consequence of an action.

owes its success to

Shifts the focus to the success being a result of someone's actions.

stems from

Indicates the origin or root cause of something.

is the work of

Emphasizes the effort and creation by someone.

is the product of

Highlights that the result is the final form after a process.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be credited" is used to acknowledge or attribute a particular achievement, quality, or event to someone or something. For example, "Her innovative ideas "can be credited with" the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "can be credited"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be attributed to", "is due to", or "can be ascribed to" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be credited"?

While "can be credited" is in the passive voice, it's often appropriate when you want to emphasize the achievement or result rather than the actor. However, using the active voice can sometimes provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "The discovery can be credited to Dr. Smith", you could say "Dr. Smith discovered this".

What's the difference between "can be credited to" and "can be attributed to"?

Both phrases are used to assign a cause or source. "Can be credited to" often implies a positive contribution or achievement, whereas "can be attributed to" is more neutral and simply assigns a cause or characteristic without necessarily implying praise or blame.