chalk up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"chalk up to" is a correct phrase used in written English, often to provide an explanation for why something has happened.
For example: "The success of the project can be chalked up to the hard work of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They chalk up to gut feel what is really a form of gut knowledge.

Harvard Business Review

We have a deep, unspoken connection which I chalk up to DNA.

The Guardian - Music

That China and post-Soviet Russia have erected obstacles to a rerun of that human rights war in Syria is easy to chalk up to retrograde interests.

The New York Times

She has repeatedly referred to the first-place prize here as "my gold medal," which those who know her chalk up to youthful exuberance.

The New York Times - Sports

Since then, I've actually gained about five pounds, most of which I chalk up to the nervous eating I've been doing while awaiting my trial.

The New Yorker

Now he says, with a nervous grin "Whatever I said about Dole in years past I chalk up to my reckless youth, and I sure home he does, too".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

For Republicans, the resistance was chalked up to political theater.

The New York Times

(The above mentioned beheading is chalked up to his emissaries).

The New York Times - Books

That one could be chalked up to bad luck.

The New York Times - Sports

Can it be chalked up to great minds thinking alike?

The New York Times

Much of this slowing down is predictable and can be chalked up to normal aging.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chalk up to" when you want to attribute an outcome or situation to a specific cause or reason, especially when the reason might be somewhat subjective or based on interpretation. It's suitable for explaining behaviors, results, or occurrences that aren't necessarily straightforward or easily quantifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "chalk up to" for significant events or situations that demand a more thorough or formal explanation. It's better suited for everyday occurrences or subjective interpretations rather than major incidents with far-reaching implications.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "chalk up to" functions as a causal verb phrase, attributing a cause, reason, or explanation to a particular event, behavior, or outcome. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which states it is often used to explain why something has happened.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chalk up to" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase for attributing a cause or reason to something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalent use in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. While it is considered neutral in tone, it's best suited for explaining everyday occurrences or subjective interpretations, not major incidents requiring in-depth analysis. Consider alternatives like "attribute to" or "ascribe to" for more formal settings. Remember to use it when a somewhat subjective reason is being provided, to ensure its correct and effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attribute to

Focuses on assigning a cause or characteristic.

ascribe to

Similar to attribute, often used in more formal contexts.

put down to

Commonly used in British English for attributing something to a particular cause.

explain by

Focuses on providing an explanation for something.

account for

Indicates providing a reason or explanation for something.

credit to

Emphasizes giving recognition or praise to someone or something.

blame on

Assigns responsibility for a negative outcome.

see as

Implies interpreting something in a particular way.

consider as

Similar to see as, but suggests a more deliberate evaluation.

think of as

Focuses on one's personal perception or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "chalk up to" in a sentence?

You can use "chalk up to" to attribute something to a particular cause or reason. For example, "We can "chalk up to" his success to hard work and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "chalk up to"?

Alternatives to "chalk up to" include "attribute to", "ascribe to", or "explain by", depending on the specific context.

Is "chalk up to" formal or informal?

"Chalk up to" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. It is commonly used in news and media but may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.

What does it mean to "chalk something up to experience"?

To "chalk something up to experience" means to consider a failure or setback as a learning opportunity, gaining valuable knowledge from it. Instead of dwelling on the negative, you reframe it as a lesson learned.