need to be attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the requirement to give credit to a source or author for their work or ideas. Example: "All quotes and ideas taken from other authors need to be attributed to ensure proper credit is given."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Composite samples may be too dilute, or may identify multiple pathogens that would need to be attributed to individual animals.

Cornell University

In PS2 the appearance of For3p dots would need to be attributed to unlikely events involving long-lived For3p on actin cables.

Plosone

Therefore, relocation costs need to be attributed accordingly between the various benefits, and any disadvantages also need to be taken into account.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Hence, if significant between-group differences are to appear, they need to be attributed to factors unique to the music therapy treatment.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In order to ensure water use is efficient and equitable, water needs to be attributed with its true economic, environmental and social value.

The Guardian

That means we had about a 37% probability of an earthquake of that magnitude happening on Boobquake just due to chance alone – hardly an improbable event that needs to be attributed to an angry deity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The workings of the universe no longer needed to be attributed to the ineffable will of a divine Creator; rather, they were brought into the realm of science an explanation of phenomena through natural laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He calls the exercise 'urban dentistry', a phrase which needs to be attributed to him in future dictionaries of quotations, and he has always done it as gently and painlessly as the kindest dentist, even on the city's least promising buildings and townscape.

The Guardian

What is more, the charges that needed to be attributed to ions to explain electrolysis were themselves linked to the valencies of the chemists.

SEP

This large reduction needs to be attributed to N incorporation, which rises to 2.6 ± 0.4% (in reasonable agreement with the nominal composition of 2%).

Nanoscale Research Letters

To say, in this sense, that someone sees green in just to say that there is some green in the line in which their eyes are pointed no mental state needs to be attributed.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be attributed", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is being attributed and to whom or what it is being attributed to for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "need to be attributed" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should be credited" or "can be traced to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be attributed" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement for something to be linked or assigned to a specific source or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be attributed" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression that denotes the necessity of assigning or linking something to its source or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. While primarily used in scientific, academic, and news contexts, writers should consider its formality and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Ensuring clarity about what is being attributed and to whom is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be ascribed

Replaces "need to be" with the stronger "must be", indicating a definite requirement.

should be credited

Focuses on giving credit, particularly to a source or creator.

ought to be assigned

Emphasizes the assignment aspect, suggesting a logical or systematic allocation.

has to be accounted for

Highlights the necessity of explaining or justifying something.

requires to be linked

Focuses specifically on establishing a connection or association.

should be designated as

Highlights the role of officially naming what "need to be attributed".

must be traced back to

Highlights the role of tracing a cause or origin instead of what "need to be attributed".

has to be put down to

Emphasizes assigning a cause or explanation, often for something negative.

should be chalked up to

Suggests attributing something, often a mistake, to a particular cause.

requires to be pinned on

Focuses on assigning blame or responsibility, often in a more direct or forceful way.

FAQs

What does "need to be attributed" mean?

The phrase "need to be attributed" means that something must be credited, assigned, or linked to a specific source, cause, or individual.

How can I use "need to be attributed" in a sentence?

You can use "need to be attributed" in a sentence like this: "The increase in sales can "be attributed to" the new marketing campaign, so the proper sources "need to be attributed"."

What are some alternatives to "need to be attributed"?

Some alternatives to "need to be attributed" include "should be credited", "must be ascribed", or "ought to be assigned" depending on the context.

Is "need to be attributed" formal or informal?

The phrase "need to be attributed" leans towards the formal side but is appropriate for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.