chiefly attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly attributable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is primarily or mainly caused by a specific factor or reason. Example: "The project's success is chiefly attributable to the team's hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Higher concentration of H4SiO4 in groundwater is chiefly attributable to the weathering of silicate minerals (Prasanna et al. 2010).

Applied Water Science

In post-menopausal women, E-production is chiefly attributable to the enzymatic conversion of androgens in extra-gonadal tissues by the cytochrome P-450 superfamily member aromatase.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

Plasma is the principal source of reduced thiols: their concentration is about 500 umol/L, they have a high molecular mass, and they are chiefly attributable to albumin [ 6].

Disease Markers

Among the cognitive-domain trials, there was significant heterogeneity between the trials for the effects of B vitamins on memory (χ3 = 11.3, P = 0.01), speed (χ3 = 12.3, P = 0.006), and domain-composite global cognitive function (χ3 = 13.6, P = 0.004) but not for executive function (χ3 = 1.4, P = 0.71), with the heterogeneity being chiefly attributable to the FACIT trial.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Its enlargement is chiefly attributed to lactotroph hyperplasia [ 1].

BMC Endocrine Disorders

In Tanzania, relevance was chiefly attributed to the medical context.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It is an aggressiveand and a malignant tumor that is chiefly attributed to asbestos exposure.

Cancer Science

Attributable to rotation of earth.

The New Yorker

Recent growth is largely attributable to immigration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That may be attributable to the economy.

The New York Times

Deaths attributable to marijuana are very rare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly attributable to", ensure that the factor you're highlighting is indeed the most significant cause, not just a contributing factor. Use it when you want to emphasize the primary reason behind a phenomenon.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly attributable to" if there are multiple significant factors involved. If the cause is only partially responsible, consider using phrases like "partly due to" or "influenced by" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly attributable to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its primary cause. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes the main factor responsible for a specific outcome or situation. Examples show its use in explaining phenomena in various domains, from groundwater composition to cognitive function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chiefly attributable to" serves as a formal causal connector, predominantly used in scientific and academic contexts to highlight the primary cause of a phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal writing. While alternatives like "primarily due to" and "mainly caused by" exist, "chiefly attributable to" conveys a specific emphasis on the most significant factor. When using this phrase, ensure that the identified cause is indeed the predominant one to maintain accuracy and avoid overstatement. The phrase's usage is uncommon, so it should be used judiciously in your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily due to

This alternative directly indicates the main cause, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly less formal tone.

mainly caused by

This option highlights the cause as the principal factor, maintaining a close semantic equivalence.

largely a result of

This phrase emphasizes the outcome or consequence, while still indicating the primary reason.

mostly owing to

This alternative is more formal and indicates a debt or obligation to a specific cause.

principally stemming from

This option suggests an origin or source as the main reason, adding a nuance of development or progression.

predominantly arising from

This implies that the cause is the most powerful or noticeable factor, indicating a significant impact.

in large part because of

This phrase breaks down the idea into smaller components, emphasizing the significant role of a specific cause.

for the most part a consequence of

This alternative stresses that the outcome is greatly influenced by a particular cause, adding a sense of result.

fundamentally based on

This highlights the underlying foundation or root cause, providing a deeper level of explanation.

essentially resulting from

This simplifies the cause to its core essence, suggesting the main reason is straightforward and critical.

FAQs

What does "chiefly attributable to" mean?

The phrase "chiefly attributable to" means that something is mainly or primarily caused by a specific factor. It emphasizes the main reason or cause of a particular situation or outcome.

How can I use "chiefly attributable to" in a sentence?

You can use "chiefly attributable to" to explain the main cause of something. For example: "The company's success was "chiefly attributable to" its innovative marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly attributable to"?

Alternatives to "chiefly attributable to" include "primarily due to", "mainly caused by", or "largely a result of". These phrases can be used to convey a similar meaning while varying your writing style.

Is "chiefly attributable to" formal or informal?

"Chiefly attributable to" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. For more informal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "mostly because of" or "mainly due to".