often attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "often attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin of a quote, idea, or work that is commonly associated with a particular person or source. Example: "The quote 'To be, or not to be' is often attributed to William Shakespeare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Deaths are often attributed to respiratory failure associated with ascending paralysis.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The differences in rates of growth are often attributed to two factors: government and entrepreneurship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rising prices are often attributed to increasing labor costs.

The New York Times

These are often attributed to poor air quality.

Developments in Environmental Science

The advanced cognitive capabilities of the human brain are often attributed to our recently evolved neocortex.

Yale University

An increase in severe or unusual environmental activity often attributed to global warming.

The New York Times

In Somalia, mental troubles are often attributed to spirit possession, and psychotherapy barely exists.

The New York Times - Health

–If applicable, what physical attributes are often attributed to people of your ethnicity or race?

The New York Times

This is a long explanation for a famous quote often attributed to Murdoch: "Fuck Dacre.

The New Yorker

The doctrine is often attributed to John Locke, but that is dubious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Its success is often attributed to….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "often attributed to", ensure that the attribution is widely accepted but not definitively proven. If the source is certain, use stronger language like "confirmed to be by".

Common error

Avoid using "often attributed to" when a source is definitively known or verifiable. Use it only when the origin is commonly associated but lacks concrete evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often attributed to" serves as a qualifier indicating that an idea, quote, or work is commonly associated with a specific person or source. It suggests a level of uncertainty, implying that while the association is widespread, it may not be definitively proven. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "often attributed to" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an idea, quote, or work is generally linked to a particular source, although definitive proof may be lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, consider related alternatives like "commonly credited to" or "frequently ascribed to" for slight variations in emphasis. The examples confirm its suitability for formal writing when expressing uncertainty about origins.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently ascribed to

Replaces "attributed" with "ascribed", suggesting a similar but slightly more formal association.

commonly credited to

Uses "credited" instead of "attributed", emphasizing recognition or acknowledgement.

generally associated with

Shifts the focus to general association rather than direct attribution.

widely recognized as

Highlights broad recognition of a connection or source.

typically linked to

Emphasizes a typical connection or relationship.

usually connected with

Similar to "linked to", but with a slightly less formal tone.

often assigned to

Replaces "attributed" with "assigned", suggesting a more deliberate allocation.

frequently thought to be by

Expresses a common belief about the originator or source.

commonly believed to originate from

Focuses on the common belief about the origin of something.

generally considered to be from

Highlights a general consensus regarding the origin or source.

FAQs

How can I use "often attributed to" in a sentence?

Use "often attributed to" to indicate that a quote, idea, or work is commonly associated with a particular person or source, even if the connection isn't definitively proven. For example, "The saying 'Less is more' is "often attributed to" architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe."

What is a synonym for "often attributed to"?

Alternatives include "commonly credited to", "frequently ascribed to", or "generally associated with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "often attributed to" in formal writing?

Yes, "often attributed to" is suitable for formal writing. It indicates a level of uncertainty about the origin of something, which can be useful in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "often attributed to" and "definitely proven to be by"?

"Often attributed to" suggests a common association without definitive proof, while "definitely proven to be by" indicates that there is concrete evidence linking something to a specific source. Use "often attributed to" when the origin is uncertain but widely believed, and "definitely proven to be by" when the origin is certain.