not attributable to them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not attributable to them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying that something cannot be assigned or linked to a specific person or group. Example: "The errors in the report were not attributable to them, as they had followed all the guidelines provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very intense radioactivity not attributable to uranium was ascribed to a new element, named by them after Marie Curie's homeland, Poland.

Britannica

It will be made clear in the informed consent process that (1) data will not be attributable to them by name, (2) the consultant will not analyse raw data but will only examine the resulting themes, and (3) FP is not employed by the Trust and so she can offer an objective analysis of the results.

BMJ Open

People tend to attribute things to pure achievement that are, in fact, not attributable to achievement.

The New Yorker

"It's not attributable to one season.

The New York Times

Doors opening on moving trains are not attributable to conductors.

The New York Times

"It's not attributable to rust," Pennington said.

The New York Times - Sports

These stalls are not attributable to the natural business cycle.

Yale University

One neonatal death, not attributable to myasthenia, was recorded.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Yet the shift is not attributable to Iraq alone.

The Washington Post

They think it's a systemic problem not attributable to a single group.

The Guardian

"Other sites or social media accounts are not attributable to the M5S," Grillo said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not attributable to them" to clearly and formally state that a specific outcome, action, or characteristic cannot be correctly linked or assigned to a particular group. This helps avoid misunderstandings about responsibility or causation.

Common error

Avoid using "not attributable to them" when a degree of indirect influence exists. The phrase implies complete detachment; if they had any contributing role, even unintentional, choose a more nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not attributable to them" functions as a disclaimer or clarification, explicitly stating that a particular action, outcome, or characteristic cannot be assigned or linked to a specific group of individuals. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not attributable to them" serves to disclaim responsibility or causation, clearly stating that a specific group is not the source or cause of something. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound, its occurrence is rare, making it essential to use it accurately and purposefully, particularly in formal contexts. Consider related phrases like "not assignable to them" or "not linked to them" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not assignable to them

Changes "attributable" to "assignable", focusing on the act of assigning responsibility or causation.

not ascribable to them

Substitutes "attributable" with "ascribable", highlighting the act of attributing a quality or characteristic.

not imputable to them

Replaces "attributable" with "imputable", emphasizing the legal or moral responsibility.

not linked to them

Uses a simpler term, "linked", to indicate a lack of connection or association.

not connected with them

Employs "connected" to express a lack of relationship or association.

they are not responsible for

Shifts the focus to responsibility, indicating they are not accountable.

they cannot be blamed for

Highlights the absence of blame or fault on their part.

not of their doing

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate they were not the cause.

they had no hand in

Employs an idiomatic phrase to express their lack of involvement.

not their responsibility

Focuses specifically on the absence of responsibility.

FAQs

What does "not attributable to them" mean?

The phrase "not attributable to them" means that something cannot be assigned or linked to a specific group of people. It indicates a lack of causation, responsibility, or connection.

How can I use "not attributable to them" in a sentence?

You can use "not attributable to them" to clarify that a particular result or action isn't the fault or responsibility of a specific group. For example: "The errors in the report were "not attributable to them", as they had followed all the guidelines provided."

What are some alternatives to "not attributable to them"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not assignable to them", "not linked to them", or "they are not responsible for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "not attributable to them" in formal writing?

Yes, "not attributable to them" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly state that something is not caused by or the responsibility of a particular group. However, ensure the context aligns with the formal tone and consider whether a simpler alternative might be clearer for your audience.