erroneously attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erroneously attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has been incorrectly assigned or credited to someone or something. Example: "The quote was erroneously attributed to Mark Twain, when in fact it was said by another author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

King erroneously attributed the codex to the Aztecs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An article on Oct. 28 about Gubbio, Italy, erroneously attributed a distinction to the commune.

The New York Times

The article also erroneously attributed a distinction to the Countrywide settlement.

The New York Times

An obituary on Monday about the Italian fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti erroneously attributed a distinction to him.

The New York Times

And because of an editing error, the article erroneously attributed a distinction to the island.

The New York Times

An article on June 9 about Rachel Maddow erroneously attributed a distinction to Maddow.

The New York Times

*The second part of this quote was erroneously attributed to Primo Levi in the book by Carole Angier.

The New Yorker

OBITUARIES An obituary on Monday about the Italian fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti erroneously attributed a distinction to him.

The New York Times

An article on Thursday about the financial problems facing Cyprus erroneously attributed a distinction to the Cyprus Popular Bank.

The New York Times

OBITUARIES An obituary on Saturday about the French politician Pierre Mauroy erroneously attributed a distinction to him.

The New York Times

OBITUARIES An obituary on Friday about the religious scholar Geza Vermes erroneously attributed a distinction to him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erroneously attributed" when correcting a previously published statement or correcting a popular assumption. It is commonly used in corrections in journalism.

Common error

While "erroneously attributed" is accurate, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "mistakenly credited" or "wrongly assigned" when writing for a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erroneously attributed" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in sentences to indicate that a particular statement, idea, or work has been incorrectly credited or assigned to someone or something. As seen in Ludwig, this often appears in corrections or clarifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erroneously attributed" is a verb phrase used to indicate that something has been incorrectly credited or assigned. Ludwig's analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it is best suited for formal or neutral contexts where accuracy is critical. When using this phrase, providing the correct source can enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "incorrectly credited" or "wrongly assigned" may be more appropriate for informal settings. The prevalence and consistent application of "erroneously attributed" make it a reliable phrase for correcting misinformation and ensuring proper citation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaccurately attributed

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the lack of accuracy.

misattributed

A more concise way of saying "erroneously attributed".

incorrectly assigned

Directly points out the incorrectness of the assignment.

incorrectly credited

Focuses on the act of giving credit wrongly.

improperly credited

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the credit given.

wrongly assigned

Emphasizes the incorrect allocation of something.

falsely assigned

Highlights that the assignment is not correct.

falsely ascribed

Highlights the untrue nature of the attribution.

mistakenly assigned

Indicates an error in the assignment process.

unjustifiably assigned

Stresses the lack of justification for the assignment.

FAQs

What does "erroneously attributed" mean?

The phrase "erroneously attributed" means that something has been incorrectly assigned or credited to someone or something. It indicates a mistake in identifying the source or origin.

How can I use "erroneously attributed" in a sentence?

You can use "erroneously attributed" to correct a mistake. For example: "The quote was "erroneously attributed" to Mark Twain, when in fact it was said by another author."

Which is more appropriate, "erroneously attributed" or "incorrectly credited"?

Both "erroneously attributed" and "incorrectly credited" are suitable, but "erroneously attributed" may sound more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What are some alternatives to "erroneously attributed"?

Alternatives to "erroneously attributed" include "incorrectly credited", "wrongly assigned", and "falsely ascribed", depending on the specific context.