is attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is attributable to" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to attribute something to a specific cause or person (i.e. to assign credit or blame). For example, "The success of the project is attributable to the hard work of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the customers' good fortune is attributable to bad news.

The New York Times

Much of the problem is attributable to generic competition.

The New York Times

And any growth is attributable to violent offenders".

The New York Times

Some of the increase is attributable to changes in methodology.

The New York Times

This feature is attributable to their high porosity and permeability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our success is attributable to working cooperatively with municipalities.

The New York Times

How much is attributable to the new marketing campaign is hard to say.

The New York Times

Some portion of the decline is attributable to tough sentencing and release policies.

The New York Times

"But how much is attributable to genes versus environmental influences is not known".

The New York Times - Health

Now it's thirty times higher, and that increase is attributable to Europe's dereliction of duty.

The New Yorker

"Everything I am today is attributable to my father and mother and to him".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is attributable to" when you want to formally assign a cause or reason, especially in contexts where precision and authority are important. For instance, in scientific reports or legal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "is attributable to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "is due to" or "is because of" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is attributable to" functions as a causal connector, formally linking an effect or outcome to its cause or origin. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in assigning responsibility or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is attributable to" is a formal phrase used to express causality, primarily in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its function as a causal connector. While versatile, it's best reserved for formal writing to maintain an appropriate tone. Consider simpler alternatives like "is due to" in informal settings. Remember to use "is attributable to" when you want to formally assign a cause or reason, especially in contexts where precision and authority are important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ascribable to

Synonymous, with a slightly more formal tone.

is due to

More direct and common, suitable for general use.

is caused by

Emphasizes causation more strongly, potentially implying a more direct link.

is a consequence of

Emphasizes the consequential nature of the relationship.

is a result of

Highlights the outcome or consequence of something.

stems from

Suggests an origin or root cause, often less immediate.

is traceable to

Highlights the ability to follow back to a source or origin.

arises from

Similar to 'stems from', but can also imply a more spontaneous development.

can be explained by

Focuses on providing an explanation or reason.

is linked to

Indicates a connection or relationship, but not necessarily direct causation.

FAQs

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

Use "is attributable to" to formally assign a cause or reason for something. For example: "The increase in sales is attributable to the new marketing campaign."

What can I say instead of "is attributable to"?

You can use alternatives like "is due to", "is caused by", or "is a result of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is attributable to"?

It is appropriate in formal and academic writing when you need to clearly and precisely identify the cause of a specific effect or outcome.

What's the difference between "is attributable to" and "is due to"?

"Is attributable to" is more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts, while "is due to" is more commonly used in everyday language.