it is attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is attributed to" is a valid expression in written English that is used to show the source of a quote, opinion, or idea.
For example, "The quote, 'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.' is attributed to Albert Einstein."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is attributed to the sculptor Nicolaus Weckmann.

The New York Times - Arts

It is attributed to a Venetian follower of Marco Romano.

The New York Times - Arts

Or it is attributed to age — nearly all who are affected are over 55.

The New York Times

It is attributed to healthier lifestyles, improved screening and better treatments.

The New York Times

Dating from the late 18th century, it is attributed to Pandit Seu or to Manaku.

The New York Times - Arts

It is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is attributed to the 18th-century Philadelphia cabinetmaker Thomas Affleck and the carvers Nicholas Bernard and Martin Jugiez.

The New York Times - Arts

Still poorly understood, it is attributed to genetic vulnerability, brain chemistry imbalances and life stresses, sometimes including the effects of drugs like LSD.

The New York Times

Made for an unknown client about 1750, it is attributed to Samuel Harding of Philadelphia on the basis of the carved shell within a shell.

The New York Times - Arts

It is attributed to the brilliant iconoclastic 19th-century Philadelphia architect Frank Furness and was unquestionably designed by his firm, if not by the master himself.

The New York Times - Travel

It is attributed to James Moore, a leading London furniture maker who died in 1726, and his entrepreneurial partner, John Gumley.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is attributed to", ensure that the source or cause you are citing is credible and relevant to the context. Provide specific details or evidence to support the attribution.

Common error

Avoid attributing broad or complex phenomena to a single, simplistic cause when using "it is attributed to". Acknowledge the potential for multiple contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is attributed to" functions as a passive construction used to indicate the perceived source, cause, or origin of a particular event, idea, creation, or characteristic. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often employed to formally assign responsibility or credit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is attributed to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the perceived source or cause of something, functioning as a passive construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. When writing, ensure that you cite credible sources and avoid oversimplifying complex phenomena. Remember to consider alternative phrases depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Usage ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is ascribed to

Emphasizes a formal or official assignment of a quality or characteristic.

it is credited to

Highlights recognition or acknowledgement for an achievement or contribution.

it is due to

Focuses on causality, indicating a direct result or consequence.

it is thought to be caused by

Suggests a belief about the origin of something, often without definitive proof.

it is linked to

Implies a connection or association, but not necessarily a direct cause.

it is associated with

Suggests a correlation or connection, often in a statistical or observational sense.

it is recognized as

Emphasizes public acknowledgement or acceptance of something.

it is believed to stem from

Indicates a presumed origin or source, often based on conjecture.

the origin is considered to be

Highlights origin with an added touch of a common opinion or accepted idea.

the source is presumed to be

Highlights the source with an added touch of a common opinion or accepted idea.

FAQs

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

Use "it is attributed to" to indicate the cause, origin, or creator of something. For example, "The success of the project "it is attributed to" the team's hard work."

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

Alternatives include "it is ascribed to", "it is credited to", or "it is due to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "it is attributed to" uses the passive voice, you can also use the active voice for a more direct statement. For example, instead of "The discovery "it is attributed to" Marie Curie", you could say "Marie Curie is credited with the discovery".

What's the difference between "it is attributed to" and "it is associated with"?

"It is attributed to" suggests a direct cause or origin, while "it is associated with" implies a correlation or connection but not necessarily a direct causal relationship.