it can be attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is generally used to indicate the source of something, such as an idea, saying, etc. For example, you could say: "The famous saying 'A stitch in time saves nine' can be attributed to Benjamin Franklin."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its EtOAc soluble fraction (EAF) shows the strongest antioxidants activity and it can be attributed to its high content in phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

EtOAc soluble fraction (EAF) shows the strongest antioxidant activity, and it can be attributed to its high content in phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"Some of it can be attributed to the newspaper portfolio".

The New York Times

Some of it can be attributed to the fall.

The New York Times

Perhaps it can be attributed to the notion of intelligent design.

The New York Times

Yet the amazing thing about the current collapse is that almost none of it can be attributed to the Democrats.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Part of it can be attributed to me, but mostly it's because the kick units are jelling together as a whole," Joyce said.

The New York Times - Sports

Although gross domestic product has remained positive since 2001, and above the global average, most of it can be attributed to extractive industries, including minerals, oil and gas.

The Guardian

Many of the discrepancies between what the public sees as healthy and how experts define it can be attributed to marketing.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can be attributed to Cerenkov emission.

Cancer Nanotechnology

It can be attributed to the good biocompatibility and nano-effect of SiO2-PA NPs.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be attributed to", ensure the subject and the attributed cause are logically connected and supported by evidence. Avoid speculative attributions.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be attributed to" excessively in your writing, as it relies on the passive voice. Opt for more direct and active constructions when possible to make your writing more engaging and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be attributed to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its cause. It presents a reasoned explanation or assigns responsibility. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is generally used to indicate the source of something, such as an idea, saying, etc.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be attributed to" serves as a connector that links an effect to its cause. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used to assign responsibility or to provide a reasoned explanation. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts and is generally suitable for formal and technical writing. While grammatically correct and commonly used, remember to avoid overusing the passive voice and consider more direct alternatives for greater impact. The examples illustrate its versatility in explaining various phenomena, and the related phrases offer alternatives for nuance and style. Overall, its a useful and versatile phrase for formal writing and technical explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be attributable to

Suggests a possibility rather than a certainty in the cause.

it can be ascribed to

Implies assigning a quality or characteristic to something.

it is due to

Directly states causation, often used for negative outcomes.

it stems from

Indicates the origin or root cause of something.

it results from

Highlights the consequence of a particular action or event.

it is caused by

Emphasizes the direct action that leads to an outcome.

it arises from

Suggests the emergence or development of something from a source.

it originates from

Focuses on the place or time where something begins.

it is a consequence of

Highlights the outcome as a direct result of something else.

it can be explained by

Suggests that a reason or justification can be provided.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it can be attributed to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it may be attributable to", "it can be ascribed to", or "the reason can be ascribed to".

What's a simpler way to say "it can be attributed to"?

Simpler alternatives include "it is due to", "it results from", or simply "it is caused by".

In what situations is "it can be attributed to" most appropriate?

This phrase is best used in formal writing, scientific reports, or technical explanations where a clear, reasoned assignment of cause is necessary.

Is "it can be attributed to" interchangeable with "it can be blamed on"?

While both phrases assign causality, "it can be attributed to" is more neutral, while "it can be blamed on" implies fault or responsibility for something negative.