principally attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principally attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main source or cause of something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The success of the project is principally attributed to the team's innovative approach and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We conjectured the reason that leads to the nanowires changing into bunch was principally attributed to the electric field.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The decrease of the thickness of the intermetallic layer was principally attributed to the detachment of the Al7Fe2Si layer from the intermetallic layer into the aluminum bath.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It is concluded, however, that the sedimentary mounds in the latter area formed in a different way, which is principally attributed to persisting contour current activity off Antarctica during glacial stages, when currents off Southeast Greenland had virtually ceased.

Marine Geology

The excellent electrochemical performances were principally attributed to the combined effect of graphene nanosheets and acetylene black, which provided an improved electrical conductivity for the sulfur cathode, effective restraining for soluble polysulfides, and powerful buffer for the volume changes of sulfur during cycling.

Electrochimica Acta

These abnormalities are principally attributed to the defects in collagen fibrillogenesis.

Plosone

At present, more under-5 children die every year in the DRC than any other country except Nigeria and India, with deaths principally attributed to pneumonia (20%), diarrhea (19%), and malaria (17%) [11].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Results from a follow-up study of Medicare patients 17 indicated that smaller particles and their components derived from combustion sources (ie, PM2.5) are principally responsible for cardiovascular hospitalisations attributed to the combination of fine and coarse particles (ie, PM10).

Heart

The epidemiologic transition is that process by which the pattern of mortality and disease is transformed from one of high mortality among infants and children and episodic famine and epidemic affecting all age groups to one of degenerative and man-made diseases (such as those attributed to smoking) affecting principally the elderly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our results also show that the largest factor influencing the level of profitability is attributed to access costs (principally roading costs).

Forest Policy and Economics

An estimated 69 deaths occurring principally among persons with AIDS were attributed to Milwaukee's cryptosporidiosis outbreak (18 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

At the protein level, on the one hand, the frequency bias of some amino acids can be attributed to structural constraints; for example, Met is principally the initiation amino acid and thus its presence does not follow a random distribution.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principally attributed to", ensure that the factor you are attributing to is indeed the most significant cause or explanation, not merely a contributing factor. Consider whether other factors play a substantial role and adjust your language accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "principally attributed to" if multiple factors contribute significantly. Overstating one factor as the principal cause can mislead readers and oversimplify complex relationships. Instead, consider phrases like "partially due to" or "contributed to by" to accurately reflect shared causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principally attributed to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its primary cause or source. It's used to explain why something happened or is the way it is. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

16%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principally attributed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used causal connector, particularly within scientific and formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, emphasizing its function to denote the primary cause of an event or phenomenon. While alternatives like "mainly ascribed to" or "primarily due to" exist, "principally attributed to" carries a more formal tone. A best practice is to ensure the attributed cause is indeed the most significant, avoiding oversimplification of complex scenarios. Common errors involve overstating the importance of a single factor when multiple causes are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily due to

Replaces "principally attributed to" with the more common phrase "primarily due to", focusing on the direct cause.

mainly ascribed to

Replaces "principally" with "mainly" and "attributed" with "ascribed", slightly altering the emphasis on causation.

mainly caused by

Uses a more straightforward construction, indicating direct causation with simpler wording.

primarily linked to

Substitutes "attributed" with "linked", suggesting a connection rather than direct causation.

chiefly resulting from

Uses "chiefly" instead of "principally" and "resulting from" in place of "attributed to", highlighting the outcome or effect.

largely stemming from

Employs "stemming from" instead of "attributed to", indicating an origin or source.

mostly on account of

Replaces "principally attributed to" with "mostly on account of", providing a reason or explanation.

fundamentally a result of

Highlights the foundational nature of the cause, using a more elaborate and formal structure.

essentially a product of

Emphasizes that something is a consequence of something else.

primarily connected with

Indicates a strong association rather than direct causation, using "connected with" instead of "attributed to".

FAQs

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

Use "principally attributed to" to indicate the main cause or reason for a particular outcome or phenomenon. For example, "The decline in sales was principally attributed to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "principally attributed to"?

Alternatives include "mainly ascribed to", "primarily linked to", or "primarily due to" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "mainly attributed to" instead of "principally attributed to"?

Yes, "mainly attributed to" is a correct and more common alternative to "principally attributed to". Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "mainly" is generally considered less formal.

What is the difference between "attributed to" and "principally attributed to"?

"Attributed to" simply means something is believed to be caused by something else. "Principally attributed to" emphasizes that the specified cause is the main or most significant reason, making the causation claim stronger.