it is attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is attributable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the cause or reason for something, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The increase in sales is attributable to the new marketing strategy implemented last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

California is enjoying a drop in its crime rate, though there is no way to tell if it is attributable to such policies.

The New York Times

In part, she believes, it is attributable to the expenses of a dancer's life.

The New York Times - Arts

In many cases it is attributable to salts entrapped as marine sediment in earlier geological time.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

It is attributable to some enlightened leaders who ultimately led the world in the right direction.

The New York Times

"Four years have passed and we are only at this stage, but that is no longer attributable to Ecuador, it is attributable to Swedish prosecutors.

The Guardian

And sure enough, while not all of it is attributable to the basketball team, Montrose's enrollment has grown by 10 to 15percentt since Vetter arrived.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The higher rate of indeterminate results in the T-SPOT.TB assay compared with QFT-IT was attributable to a number of factors.

Plosone

"I definitely think there's been an increase, and I think it's attributable to the availability now," he said.

The New York Times

He added: "research also shows that in two-thirds of incidents where fault is attributable, it's attributable to the driver".

Independent

This pairing might appear to have been forged through nomenclature, but really it's attributable to simpatico worldviews.

The New York Times - Arts

Scholars, puzzled by this seemingly universal impulse, are unsure whether it's attributable to an instinct for marking or for matching.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is attributable to", ensure that the causal relationship is clearly established and supported by evidence to avoid ambiguity. Provide context or supporting information to strengthen the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "it is attributable to" when the relationship is merely correlational or speculative. Instead, use phrases like "it may be related to" or "it is associated with" to indicate a possible connection without claiming direct causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is attributable to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its cause. It explains why something is happening or has happened. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is attributable to" serves as a formal and precise way to express causation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While not the most common phrase, it finds frequent use in science, news, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "it is caused by" and "it is due to", offering similar but subtly different connotations. When using "it is attributable to", prioritize accuracy and avoid overstating the causal relationship without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is caused by

Focuses on direct causation rather than the nuance of attribution.

it is due to

A more common and slightly less formal way of indicating cause.

it is a result of

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of a particular factor.

it stems from

Suggests a root cause or origin point.

it originates in

Highlights the source or beginning of something.

it arises from

Indicates how something emerges or develops from a particular cause.

it is brought about by

Emphasizes the factor that initiates or makes something happen.

it is consequent to

More formal; denotes a logical sequence or result.

it can be ascribed to

Focuses on assigning a quality or characteristic to a cause.

the reason for it is

A more direct and explanatory approach.

FAQs

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

Use "it is attributable to" to specify the cause or reason behind a particular outcome or situation. For example, "The company's success "it is attributable to" its innovative marketing strategies".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is attributable to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is due to", "it is caused by", or "it stems from depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is attributable to" or "it is attributed to"?

"It is attributable to" indicates a direct causal relationship, while "it is attributed to" suggests an opinion or belief about the cause. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the connection you are describing.

What's the difference between "it is attributable to" and "it is because of"?

"It is attributable to" is generally more formal and precise, suggesting a clear and demonstrable cause-and-effect relationship. "It is because of" is more informal and can be used for more general or less certain causes.