is to be attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the source or cause of something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The success of the project is to be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That it did not succeed is to be attributed to Alfred's tenacity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite investigation there is so far nothing whatever to show to whom the outrage is to be attributed.

The Guardian

This variant is to be attributed to the Samnites and to a large part of the minor stocks of central Italy, including the Sabines, known from isolated inscriptions in central Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To this habit, perhaps, is to be attributed Charles Peirce's considerable originality.

SEP

The higher complexity, noted above, thus appears as a phenomenon that is to be attributed to the combined uncertainty.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

From this God only good can proceed, whereas evil is to be attributed to matter and to man's own bad choices.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The fortifications, apadana, council hall, treasury, and a residential palace are to be attributed to him, although not completed in his lifetime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chemical atomism lent itself to the idea that it was developments in chemistry that were to indicate which properties were to be attributed to chemical atoms, as exemplified in the path that led to the property 'valency'valency

SEP

It is something to be attributed, not achieved.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's too deep to be attributed to clear sources.

The New Yorker

His departure, however, is likely to be attributed more to age -- he will be 70 this year -- than to the company's travails.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to be attributed", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being attributed and the object specifies the cause or source. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive construction "is to be attributed" when a more direct active voice would improve clarity and conciseness. For example, instead of "The failure is to be attributed to poor planning", consider "Poor planning caused the failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be attributed" functions as a passive construction used to ascribe a cause, reason, or origin to something. It connects an effect or outcome to its source. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

News & Media

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is to be attributed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to ascribe a cause or origin. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from diverse contexts, including scientific, encyclopedic, and news sources. While correct, it is recommended to use it carefully and consider whether an active voice would provide more clarity. As an alternative, you may use "is due to" or "can be credited to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be ascribed to

Replaces "is to be attributed" with a more direct active verb construction using "ascribe".

is due to

A simpler and more common way to express causation or reason.

is ascribable to

A more formal variation, emphasizing the inherent capability of being attributed.

can be credited to

Suggests recognition for a positive outcome or achievement, similar to attributing success.

is assignable to

Indicates something can be specifically allocated or linked to a cause or source.

is traceable to

Focuses on finding the origin or source, implying a path or connection.

results from

Highlights the outcome or consequence of a particular cause.

is a consequence of

Similar to 'results from' but emphasizes the sequential relationship of cause and effect.

stems from

Implies an origin or root cause, often used for problems or issues.

is imputable to

A more formal term that suggests assigning blame or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be attributed" in a sentence?

Use "is to be attributed" to indicate the cause or origin of something, such as "The increase in sales is to be attributed to the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "is to be attributed"?

Alternatives include "is due to", "can be credited to", or "results from", depending on the context.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice when attributing something?

While "is to be attributed" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction (e.g., "poor planning caused the failure") can often be more direct and clear.

What is the difference between "is to be attributed" and "is traceable to"?

"Is to be attributed" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, while "is traceable to" suggests finding the origin or source of something over time.