difference is attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference is attributable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the reasons or causes behind a difference or variation in a particular context. Example: "The difference in performance between the two teams is attributable to their training methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The finding of almost no differential DNA methylation in blood cells of T2D patients versus the significant changes in pancreatic islets implies the question whether the observed blood islet difference is attributable to the different lifespan of the cells, for blood cells being days to months while β-cells have a lifespan of many decades (Cnop et al, 2010).

EMBO Journal

The small difference is attributable to the incorporation of different covariates to our proportional hazards model (additional file 2 "outputgbsg2.doc").

BMC Cancer

The difference is attributable to what pollsters call "the halo effect," a desire to associate with the winner.

The New York Times

According to recent research by ACT, the difference is attributable to the higher number -- and therefore broader spectrum -- of women who take the test.

The New York Times

This difference is attributable to the data collection methods.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

This difference is attributable to the lack of hydrogen precipitation sites in pure aluminium.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Thus, it is unlikely that this difference was attributable to fat-free mass differences but rather to fat mass differences.

Sports Medicine - Open

This difference was attributable to the weakness of the large-scale vorticity that preconditioned the intensification of the TC inner core in these runs.

Geoscience Letters

This difference was attributable to urge incontinence and not nocturia.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Only a very small fraction of this difference was attributable to differences in mean hydraulic pressure.

Critical Care

Adjustment for HbA1c eliminated the difference, suggesting the difference was attributable to poor glycemic control.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difference is attributable to" to clearly indicate a causal relationship when explaining variations between two or more subjects. This phrase is effective in formal writing where precision is needed.

Common error

While appropriate for formal writing, "difference is attributable to" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "is due to" or "is because of" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference is attributable to" functions as a causal connector, explicitly stating the reason or cause for an observed difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. This phrase links the observed difference to a specific factor, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difference is attributable to" serves as a formal and precise way to explain the cause of a difference or variation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in scientific and academic writing. While highly effective for clearly establishing causal relationships, it may be less suitable for informal contexts, where simpler alternatives are preferred. When employing this phrase, ensure that the causal link is well-supported and clearly articulated, as its primary function is to provide a cogent explanation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difference is due to

This alternative is a common and direct way to express the reason for a difference.

difference is caused by

This alternative uses a more direct causal verb, emphasizing the direct cause of the difference.

the difference can be attributed to

This suggests that the difference can be linked or credited to a specific cause.

difference is explained by

This focuses on providing an explanation or understanding of the difference.

difference results from

This suggests the difference is a consequence or outcome of something else.

difference is a consequence of

This alternative emphasizes the difference as an effect or result.

difference stems from

This alternative suggests that the difference originates or arises from a particular source.

difference arises from

This alternative is similar to "stems from" but may imply a more gradual development of the difference.

the variation is a result of

This is suitable when discussing a variation rather than a strict difference.

the reason for the difference is

This restructures the sentence to focus on the reason itself.

FAQs

How can I use "difference is attributable to" in a sentence?

Use "difference is attributable to" to explain the cause of a specific difference. For example, "The performance difference is attributable to better training methods."

What phrases can I use instead of "difference is attributable to"?

You can use alternatives like "difference is due to", "difference stems from", or "difference is caused by" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "difference is attributable to" or "difference is due to"?

Both "difference is attributable to" and "difference is due to" are correct. The former is more formal, while the latter is more commonly used in everyday language.

What's the difference between "difference is attributable to" and "the difference can be explained by"?

"Difference is attributable to" suggests a direct causal link, while "the difference can be explained by" implies a broader explanatory context. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize causation or understanding.