it was attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the source or origin of a statement, idea, or work, indicating that it is believed to have come from a particular person or source. Example: "The quote, 'To be or not to be,' was attributed to William Shakespeare."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was attributed to membrane disruption and raises its permeability, which in turn causes the gathering of ZnO-NPs inside the membrane and then reaches the cytoplasm.

Nano-Micro Letters

Well, it was attributed to McLuhan with uncharacteristic selflessness by its insistent popularizer, Timothy Leary, who usually gets credit for it himself.

Huffington Post

It was attributed to Donald Trump.

The New York Times

It was attributed to "well-placed sources".

The New York Times

When it was attributed to Vladimir Lenin, most disagreed.

The Washington Post

It was attributed to Churchill, but in this case it wasn't him.

The Guardian - Books

The A.P. account of it was attributed to "several people who have seen the memo".

The New York Times

In the 19th century, it was attributed to Sebastiano del Piombo.

The Guardian - Arts

The bombing, aimed at the Uffizi gallery, killed five people; it was attributed to the Mafia.

The New York Times

It was attributed to the increased reflection by the lattice array structures.

Solid-State Electronics

It was attributed to the lower solubility of water in the oil with longer chain.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was attributed to", ensure that the source you are citing is credible and reliable. Providing specific details about the source strengthens your statement.

Common error

While "it was attributed to" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice constructions where appropriate to create a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "It was attributed to the scientist," you could write "The scientist attributed it to..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was attributed to" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate the perceived source, cause, or origin of something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is common in attributing statements, ideas, or events to a particular person or factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was attributed to" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice phrase used to denote the source or cause of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "it was credited to" or "it was ascribed to" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, prioritize clear sourcing and consider using active voice where appropriate for a stronger impact. Be mindful of overusing passive voice, and always ensure the cited source is credible. This phrase serves to provide credibility and assign responsibility by linking information to its origin. With widespread use across diverse authoritative sources, "it was attributed to" remains a reliable tool in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was credited to

This phrase emphasizes the recognition or acknowledgement of someone's contribution.

it was ascribed to

This phrase implies an opinion or belief about the cause or origin.

it was assigned to

This phrase suggests a formal allocation or association.

it was traced back to

This phrase highlights the process of discovering the origin or source.

it was linked to

This phrase indicates a connection or association between two things.

the source was identified as

This phrase focuses on pinpointing the exact source.

the cause was determined to be

This phrase emphasizes the determination of the reason or factor responsible.

the origin was found in

This phrase specifies where something originated.

it stemmed from

This phrase indicates the origin or root cause of something.

it was considered a result of

This phrase suggests a judgment or conclusion about the outcome of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it was attributed to" when you want to indicate the perceived source or cause of something. For example, "The success of the project "it was attributed to" the team's hard work".

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

Alternatives include "it was credited to", "it was ascribed to", or "it was linked to depending on the specific context".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it was attributed to"?

While "it was attributed to" is in passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing stronger and more direct. Consider rephrasing as "Someone attributed it to..." when appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was attributed to" and "it was due to"?

"It was attributed to" emphasizes the source or person who made the attribution, while "it was due to" focuses on the cause or reason for something. For example, "The painting's value "it was attributed to" Van Gogh" versus "The delay "it was due to" bad weather".