cannot be ascribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be ascribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something cannot be attributed or assigned to a particular source or cause. Example: "The sudden change in weather patterns cannot be ascribed to any single factor, as multiple influences are at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The failure of this resistance cannot be ascribed to the repressive power of the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

But analysts said that Corus's troubles cannot be ascribed entirely to external factors.

The New York Times

"Such dirty crimes cannot be ascribed to an army, a police, a people, a nation, their government".

The New York Times

What version of Windows are you using? it means your problem cannot be ascribed to a problem recently fixed.

Yale University

Once again, these effects cannot be ascribed to central effect (since these cells were cultured ex vivo) and are not influenced by exposure to adrenergic agonist (NE).

Nature

The blame for this historiographical mess cannot be ascribed solely to rock culture: there has been plenty of provincialism to go around.

The New York Times - Arts

Most volcanoes that cannot be ascribed either to a subduction zone or to seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges are attributed to hot spots.

Britannica

That cannot be ascribed to the risk-taking and innovation of franchise operators, but to the billions of pounds invested by Network Rail, a government-controlled entity.

The Guardian

Yet Yankovic's longevity cannot be ascribed to the fact that the world turns over a new batch of dorky teens each year.

The New Yorker

This neglect cannot be ascribed to a shortage of documentation about her work; archival and historical sources of information about Breckinridge's life and filmmaking are plentiful.

Columbia University

Both parties have presided over security failures and successes; systemic failures cannot be ascribed to the stewardship of a political party.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be ascribed", ensure that the sentence clearly states what the subject cannot be attributed to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of "The failure cannot be ascribed", specify "The failure cannot be ascribed to a single cause".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cannot be ascribed" leans towards formal writing. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "can't be blamed on" or "isn't because of" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be ascribed" functions as a passive voice construction used to express that a particular effect, quality, or responsibility cannot be attributed or assigned to a specified cause or agent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be ascribed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something cannot be attributed or assigned to a specific cause or origin. As Ludwig AI points out, it's commonly found in formal writing, particularly within scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. While alternatives like "cannot be attributed" or "cannot be assigned" exist, "cannot be ascribed" maintains its relevance due to its precise and formal tone. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount, ensuring that the intended negation of attribution is unmistakable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be attributed

Replaces "ascribed" with "attributed", a direct synonym, maintaining formality and meaning.

cannot be assigned

Substitutes "ascribed" with "assigned", focusing on the act of allocation or designation.

is not attributable to

A more formal variation using "attributable" and inverting the structure.

cannot be credited

Replaces "ascribed" with "credited", emphasizing acknowledgment or recognition.

cannot be traced back to

Offers a more descriptive alternative, highlighting the inability to follow something to its origin.

cannot be linked to

Emphasizes the absence of a connection or relationship.

cannot be put down to

An idiomatic alternative, common in British English, suggesting the inability to explain something by a specific reason.

cannot be explained by

Focuses on the lack of a specific explanation or cause.

is not due to

Simplifies the phrase to indicate that something is not the result of a particular cause.

does not stem from

Uses the metaphor of stemming from to convey that something's origin is not a specific cause.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be ascribed" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be ascribed" to indicate that something cannot be attributed or assigned to a particular cause or source. For example, "The lack of progress "cannot be ascribed" to a lack of effort." It's best suited for formal and academic writing.

What can I say instead of "cannot be ascribed"?

Alternatives include "cannot be attributed", "cannot be assigned", or "is not due to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cannot be ascribed to" or "cannot be attributed to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Cannot be attributed to" is slightly more common in general usage, but "cannot be ascribed to" is perfectly acceptable, especially in formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "cannot be ascribed" and "cannot be assumed"?

"Cannot be ascribed" means something cannot be attributed to a specific cause or origin, while "cannot be assumed" means something cannot be taken for granted or accepted as true without proof. They address different aspects of uncertainty.