could be attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be attributed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to say that something is thought to have been caused by or related to something else. For example: The success of the project could be attributed to the hard work of the team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A lot of that could be attributed to exams.

The New York Times - Sports

This could be attributed to differences in the precursor state.

Nature

28%percentt of all variance could be attributed to treatment.

Nature

30%percentt of all variance could be attributed to treatment.

Nature

It could be attributed to first pass effect.

Nature

85%percentt of all variance could be attributed to treatment.

Nature

Some of it could be attributed to genetic predisposition.

The New York Times - Magazine

BP, which could be attributed at least partly to people.

Land Use Policy

Most likely, this dilemma could be attributed to opening-night nerves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The third fainting incident could be attributed to dehydration and low blood sugar.

Columbia University

How much of the failure could be attributed to domestic political weakness?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be attributed" to express a plausible explanation or connection, acknowledging that other factors may also be involved.

Common error

Avoid using "could be attributed" when a stronger causal link is known or can be established. Use more definitive language if the connection is more than just a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be attributed" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates a potential causal relationship, suggesting that something may be the cause or explanation for a particular outcome or observation. Ludwig examples show it's used to link effects to possible causes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

18%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be attributed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a possible causal relationship. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic domains. It is used to suggest a potential explanation for an event or observation, acknowledging that other factors may also play a role. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the suggested connection is logical and supported by available evidence to avoid overstating the causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be ascribed to

More formal and suggests a definite though possibly unproven connection.

might stem from

Implies a causal relationship, often referring to the origin or root cause.

can be linked to

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

is possibly due to

Indicates a potential cause, leaving room for other explanations.

is perhaps a result of

Suggests that something is a consequence of something else, but with a hint of uncertainty.

is potentially explained by

Focuses on providing a possible explanation for something.

is conceivably caused by

Introduces the possibility of causation, though not definitively.

is possibly related to

Suggests a connection between two things, implying that one may have influenced the other.

is indirectly connected with

Implies a less direct relationship, often involving intermediary factors.

is associated with

Indicates a correlation or connection, without necessarily implying causation.

FAQs

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

Use "could be attributed" to suggest a possible cause or explanation for something. For example, "The project's success "could be attributed" to the team's dedication".

What are some alternatives to using "could be attributed"?

You can use alternatives like "may be ascribed to", "might stem from", or "can be linked to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could be attributed" in formal writing?

Yes, "could be attributed" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a degree of uncertainty while maintaining a professional tone.

What's the difference between ""could be attributed"" and "is attributed"?

"Could be attributed" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "is attributed" implies a confirmed or established cause.