that could be attributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could be attributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the cause or reason for something, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The increase in sales this quarter can be attributed to our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Western officials have challenged Iraq's count of infant deaths that could be attributed to the embargo.

The New York Times

His supporters are now compiling testimony on possible miracles that could be attributed to the archbishop.

The New York Times

The May 2013 local elections had shown no measurable uptick in support that could be attributed to Graf's work.

The Guardian

By mid-May, Mississippi's small outbreak was the only one that could be attributed to parvovirus, which causes fifth disease.

The New York Times - Magazine

But hard as I searched, there was nothing that could be attributed to Mackintosh, except a postcard in a clipframe.

The Guardian - Books

The measurements of Tr had declines that could be attributed to the ingestions of water and cold food.

Nature

First, they're outright, clearly intentional lies — not dubious assertions or misstatements that could be attributed to ignorance or misunderstanding.

The New York Times

Oxygen and ammonium fluxes showed temporal changes that could be attributed to the variation of sea water temperature.

Journal of Sea Research

The Cr VI) removal was slightly influenced by the groundwater pH that could be attributed to Cr VI) speciation.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

His study, also published in 2005, found no differences in wages that could be attributed to the presence of immigrants in the labor pool.

University of California, Berkeley

Subsequent tests would be compared to the baseline numbers to see whether there are any changes that could be attributed to doping.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that could be attributed to", ensure there is a logical connection between the effect and the proposed cause. Avoid speculative or unfounded attributions.

Common error

Avoid using "that could be attributed to" when the relationship is merely a correlation or a weak association. Ensure there is sufficient evidence to suggest a causal link, rather than just a coincidental occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could be attributed to" functions as a causal connector, suggesting a potential cause or explanation for a particular outcome. This phrase is often used in analytical contexts to explore possible relationships between events or factors. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that could be attributed to" is a versatile causal connector that implies a potential explanation or cause for an event or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including science, news, and formal writing. While it's often used to propose reasoned explanations, remember not to overuse the phrase to make unfounded claims. Instead, use it with precision and only when there's a logical link between the effect and the suggested cause. Remember to be mindful of the contexts where you write it and choose a proper alternative like "that can be ascribed to", "that may be linked to" or "that might stem from" depending on what you mean.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that can be ascribed to

This alternative uses "ascribed" which suggests assigning a cause or characteristic, often when the evidence isn't definitive. The semantic shift is minimal.

that is ascribable to

Similar to "that can be ascribed to", but with a more passive tone.

that may be linked to

This phrase implies a connection or association, often suggesting a potential relationship rather than a definitive cause. It's less assertive.

that might stem from

This option emphasizes the origin or source of something, suggesting a developmental cause.

that is possibly due to

This suggests a potential cause or reason, introducing a degree of uncertainty.

that may arise from

This implies the emergence or development of something as a consequence.

that is potentially caused by

This explicitly points to causation but acknowledges a level of uncertainty or possibility.

that is perhaps a result of

This option highlights the consequence or outcome, suggesting a possible connection.

that is conceivably related to

This phrase indicates a possible connection or association, often implying indirect influence.

that is imputable to

This alternative, using "imputable", suggests assigning responsibility or causality, often in a formal or legal context.

FAQs

How can I use "that could be attributed to" in a sentence?

Use "that could be attributed to" when you want to suggest a possible cause or reason for something. For instance, "The company's success that year could be attributed to the new marketing strategy."

What's a good alternative to "that could be attributed to"?

Alternatives to "that could be attributed to" include "that can be ascribed to", "that may be linked to", or "that might stem from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that could be attributed to" or "that is due to"?

"That could be attributed to" suggests a possible cause, while "that is due to" implies a more definite cause. The choice depends on the certainty of the causal relationship. If you're unsure, "that could be attributed to" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "that could be attributed to" and "that is correlated with"?

"That could be attributed to" implies a potential causal relationship, whereas "that is correlated with" only indicates a statistical association. Correlation does not equal causation, so use "that could be attributed to" only when there's reason to believe a cause-and-effect relationship exists.