Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
putatively attributed to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "putatively attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is claimed or supposed to be associated with a particular source or author, often without definitive proof. Example: "The manuscript is putatively attributed to Shakespeare, although some scholars dispute its authenticity."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The higher response of macrophages from females to the paracoccin stimulus may be putatively attributed to distinct glycan expression on the surface of cells from female and male mice.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
To test the monophyly of each species we first selected, from GenBank, all available sequences attributed to putatively closely related species that potentially could nest among the identified lineages of any of our study species.
Science
For instance, in the model of interaction between a peptide that belongs to MKP3 (MAP kinase phosphatase 3) and ERK2 [45], Asp316 and Asp319 of the ERK2 CD domain were observed to interact with Arg20 and Arg21 of the representative MKP3 peptide (R20R21GSNVALML, the D domain), an interaction putatively attributed in the present case to Lys235 and Lys237 of StAR (K235TK237LTWLLSI).
Science
This strong stop was attributed to potential secondary structure putatively involved in phage packaging.
Science
The Comptroller of the Currency also shall have authority to determine when a loan putatively made to a person shall for purposes of this section be attributed to another person.
Academia
Of the 233 cases attributed to serovar Arborea, 63 (27.0 %) were confirmed by isolation, and the remainder were putatively assumed to be associated with serovar Arborea based on MAT results.
Science
It was sardonically attributed to "Management Trainee.
News & Media
Many wondrous feats are attributed to him.
Encyclopedias
(Also attributed to Ann Landers).
News & Media
The book was attributed to "St.
News & Media
Later its variability was attributed to vegetation.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "putatively attributed to", ensure the context reflects genuine uncertainty about the source or originator. Avoid using it when a more definitive attribution is possible.
Common error
Avoid overusing "putatively attributed to" in formal or academic writing when stronger evidence exists. Opt for phrases like "attributed to" or "credited to" when the source is reasonably certain.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "putatively attributed to" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be from a particular source, but without definitive proof. The adverb 'putatively' modifies 'attributed' and suggests uncertainty. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
20%
Encyclopedias
13%
Less common in
Wiki
13%
Formal & Business
14%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "putatively attributed to" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating an uncertain or provisional association. As Ludwig suggests, this passive voice construction is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, where it serves the purpose of expressing doubt or a lack of definitive proof regarding the origin or source of something. While not a very common phrase, alternatives like "allegedly ascribed to" or "supposedly credited to" can be used to convey similar nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants such uncertainty and avoid overuse in situations demanding more definitive attribution.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
allegedly ascribed to
Replaces "putatively" with "allegedly" for a stronger implication of doubt or unverified claim.
supposedly credited to
Uses "supposedly" to indicate a widespread but possibly inaccurate belief about the source.
reputedly assigned to
Employs "reputedly" to highlight that the attribution is based on reputation or hearsay.
ostensibly linked to
Suggests a superficial or apparent connection that might not be genuine.
reportedly connected with
Indicates that the association is based on reports or news, implying potential unreliability.
claimed to be by
Directly states that someone is asserting the attribution, without endorsing it.
thought to be from
Implies a belief or assumption about the origin, which may not be definitively proven.
believed to originate from
Similar to "thought to be from" but with a stronger emphasis on the origin or source.
attributed with uncertainty to
Explicitly acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the attribution.
tentatively associated with
Conveys a provisional and hesitant link between the subject and the source.
FAQs
What does "putatively attributed to" mean?
The phrase "putatively attributed to" means that something is claimed or supposed to be from a particular source, but without definitive proof. It implies uncertainty or that the attribution is not fully verified.
How can I use "putatively attributed to" in a sentence?
You can use "putatively attributed to" when discussing something that is believed to be associated with a specific person or source, but the connection is not definitively confirmed. For example, "The manuscript is putatively attributed to Shakespeare, although some scholars dispute its authenticity."
What can I say instead of "putatively attributed to"?
Alternatives to "putatively attributed to" include "allegedly ascribed to", "supposedly credited to", or "reputedly assigned to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say something is "putatively attributed to" someone?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. The adverb "putatively" modifies the verb "attributed", indicating that the attribution is made provisionally or tentatively. Ludwig confirms this usage.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested