primarily attributable to

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This difficulty is primarily attributable to the health and social issues associated with the tobacco industry".

The Guardian - Opinion

Humans experience physiological deconditioning during space missions, primarily attributable to weightlessness.

Acta Astronautica

Its increase in revenue, the company said, was "primarily attributable" to the South Texas Family Residential Center.

The Washington Post

The cause of some peri-implant problems may be primarily attributable to the design of the prosthesis.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

But analysts cautioned against drawing broader conclusions about the technology sector because the drop in earnings was primarily attributable to problems inside the company.

The New York Times

Analysts, however, cautioned against drawing broader conclusions about the technology sector because the drop in Hewlett-Packard's earnings was primarily attributable to problems inside the company.

The New York Times

We conclude that the stability of glaciers in Køge Bugt through the Holocene is primarily attributable to their steep topographic setting.

Nature

A film of Johnson's visit describes joblessness in the region as primarily attributable to "lack of industrialisation and losses in the coalmining industry".

The Guardian

He said that similar units in other locations would probably cost from $80,000 to $90,000, the difference primarily attributable to the cost of land.

The New York Times

This suggests that in this mouse model of OI, the previously demonstrated bisphosphonate-associated reduction in fractures is primarily attributable to increased metaphyseal bone mass.

Bone

and mesquite (Prosopis spp ., over the past century is primarily attributable to wildfire suppression, historic periods of intensive livestock grazing, and changes in climate.

Rangeland Ecology & Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily attributable to", ensure that the factor you are attributing to is indeed the most significant cause, and not just a contributing factor. Consider if other factors play a significant role and acknowledge them appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily attributable to" if there are multiple significant factors. Overstating one cause can undermine your analysis or argument. Instead, use language that acknowledges the multiple contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily attributable to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect or outcome to its main cause. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It serves to explain why something has occurred, emphasizing the primary factor responsible. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from business results to scientific findings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primarily attributable to" is a versatile phrase used to pinpoint the main cause behind an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its prevalence across diverse fields, including science, news, and business, underscores its utility in clearly articulating cause-and-effect relationships. While alternatives like "mainly due to" exist, "primarily attributable to" maintains a professional tone suitable for various contexts. The key is to ensure the attributed factor is indeed the most significant cause, avoiding oversimplification. The phrase's high frequency in reputable sources reinforces its reliability for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly due to

More concise and emphasizes direct causation.

largely as a result of

Highlights the consequence or outcome of the primary cause.

primarily caused by

Focuses on the action of causing rather than the attribute.

chiefly owing to

More formal and emphasizes debt or obligation to a cause.

mostly on account of

Less direct, implying a broader consideration of factors.

principally stemming from

Emphasizes the origin or source of the cause.

predominantly linked to

Highlights the association or connection between factors.

attributable in large part to

More descriptive, emphasizing the significant portion of attribution.

fundamentally resulting from

Stresses the underlying or basic cause leading to the outcome.

primarily a consequence of

Focuses on the outcome and its primary origin.

FAQs

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

Use "primarily attributable to" to indicate the main cause or reason for a specific outcome or situation. For example: "The company's success is primarily attributable to its innovative marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "primarily attributable to"?

You can use alternatives such as "mainly due to", "largely as a result of", or "primarily caused by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "primarily attributable to" formal or informal?

"Primarily attributable to" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but alternatives like "mainly due to" might be preferred in very informal settings.

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

"Primarily attributable to" indicates the main or most significant cause, whereas "partly attributable to" suggests that the factor is only one of several contributing causes. Make sure to choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of influence.