mainly attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly attributable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is primarily caused by or linked to a specific factor or reason. Example: "The increase in sales this quarter is mainly attributable to our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The negative outcomes associated with WAT are mainly attributable to intra-abdominal visceral WAT2,3).

Nature

But the 44percentt decline in accidents is mainly attributable to the higher drinking age.

The New York Times

Katmai takes many similar protective measures, but the park's safety record is mainly attributable to the dispositions of the bears.

The New York Times - Travel

Voice category differences were mainly attributable to phonation frequency-based information.

Journal of Voice

The narcotic effects of opium are mainly attributable to morphine, which was first isolated about 1804.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The endurance of Shakespeare in theatre is mainly attributable to the magnificence of his language and the talent-defining roles offered to performers.

The Guardian

Co-op inventory is up 53percentt and condominium inventory is up 87percentt, he said, adding that the condo figure is mainly attributable to new development.

The New York Times

Availability effects in the caudate were mainly attributable to the high calorie condition (availability �� calorie density interaction).

Appetite

The excellent HA removal performance of DTs was mainly attributable to the formation of anhydrite and lime during coal combustion.

Fuel

That included a jump in passenger satisfaction with security screening, mainly attributable to improved communication and cooperation between airport and TSA staff, according to J.D. Power.

The Washington Post

Lin said the loss was mainly attributable to nonrecurring charges of $292.9 million stemming from its obligations in McCaw's tender offer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainly attributable to", ensure that the attributed cause is indeed the primary factor and not just a contributing element. This strengthens the clarity and accuracy of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly attributable to" when multiple factors contribute significantly. If the effect is the result of a combination of causes, consider using phrases that reflect shared responsibility, such as "partly due to" or "influenced by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly attributable to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its primary cause. It is used to explain why something has happened or why a certain condition exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainly attributable to" serves as a causal connector, predominantly used to highlight the primary cause behind an event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and widely used. Its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like "primarily due to" and "largely a result of" exist, choosing "mainly attributable to" helps ensure clarity when specifying the most significant factor. Understanding its proper application, as highlighted in the writing guidance, allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily due to

Replaces "attributable" with "due", creating a slightly more direct causal link.

largely a result of

Emphasizes the outcome as a consequence, rather than attributing a characteristic.

mostly caused by

Simplifies the phrasing to highlight the direct cause of an event or condition.

chiefly owing to

A more formal alternative, where "owing to" means "because of".

principally stemming from

Highlights the origin or source from which something arises.

predominantly resulting from

Similar to "largely a result of", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on dominance.

primarily associated with

Shifts the focus from direct causation to a strong correlation or connection.

substantially influenced by

Suggests a strong impact or effect, rather than a sole cause.

fundamentally linked to

Implies a deep, underlying connection that explains the primary nature of the subject.

largely down to

An informal alternative, commonly used in British English, implying responsibility or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "mainly attributable to" in a sentence?

Use "mainly attributable to" to indicate the primary cause or reason for a particular outcome. For example, "The company's success is mainly attributable to its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "mainly attributable to"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily due to", "largely a result of", or "mostly caused by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "largely attributable to" instead of "mainly attributable to"?

Yes, "largely attributable to" is a valid and similar phrase that can be used interchangeably with "mainly attributable to" to indicate that something is primarily caused by a particular factor.

What's the difference between "mainly attributable to" and "partly attributable to"?

"Mainly attributable to" indicates the primary or most significant cause, while "partly attributable to" suggests one of several contributing factors. Using "partly" implies other causes are also relevant.