they are attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the assignment of a quality, characteristic, or work to a person or source. Example: "The success of the project is often attributed to the team's hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the speakers to whom they are attributed.

Columbia University

Use of standard preventative measures apparently had not been considered because coxib-induced CV events are regarded as "special" as they are attributed to thromboxane.

Medical Hypotheses

Communications cannot be “government speech,” they argue, if they are attributed to someone other than the government; and the person to whom they are attributed, when he is, by compulsory funding, made the unwilling instrument of communication, may raise a First Amendment objection.

Cornell University

And when there are failures in Russia's war on terror, they are attributed to bumbling or insidious subordinates — not the man himself.

The New York Times

The views and opinions contained herein are those of the individual to whom they are attributed and may not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other communications, strategies or funds.

The Times

They are attributed to the absence on the end surfaces of the stresses needed to maintain a simple shear, causing a pronounced change in the reference pressure a consequence that is usually overlooked.

International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics

The art world has generally come to accept that some pieces are produced by people who work for the artists they are attributed to, rather than the artists themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thus, I have assumed (until they return my calls for comment) they are attributing a portion of Big Ten Network revenue to football.

Forbes

They were attributed to overcrowding, records show.

The New York Times

Mr. Green's spokesman said they were attributed to six different partners or Kushner Companies employees.

The New York Times

So new and exciting were the colours created that they were attributed healing qualities and mixed into poisonous "medicinal" concoctions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are attributed", ensure the subject and the attribute are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify which characteristics are being assigned and to what or whom they belong.

Common error

While "they are attributed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound vague and less direct. Consider rephrasing sentences in active voice where appropriate for a more engaging and clearer message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are attributed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that certain qualities, characteristics, or actions are assigned or connected to a particular subject. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

27%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are attributed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to assign qualities, characteristics, or actions to a specific subject, thereby identifying the cause, source, or origin. While it appears in varied contexts, it is commonly seen in scientific, academic, and news-related materials. When writing, remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject and its attributes to avoid confusion and, where appropriate, consider using active voice for a more direct style. Alternatives such as "they are assigned to", "they are credited to", and "they are ascribed to" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings, offering flexibility in your writing. Mastering its usage ensures clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are assigned to

Replaces "attributed" with "assigned", focusing on the act of allocating or designating.

they are credited to

Substitutes "attributed" with "credited", highlighting recognition or acknowledgment for a specific achievement or quality.

they are ascribed to

Uses "ascribed" instead of "attributed", emphasizing the act of attributing something to a particular cause or source.

they are connected with

Replaces "attributed" with "connected with", focusing on the association or link between elements.

they are linked to

Similar to "connected with" but may imply a stronger causal relationship.

they are associated with

Emphasizes a general relationship or correlation without necessarily implying causation.

they are considered to be

Focuses on the perception or judgment of something rather than a direct causal link.

they are known as

Highlights the recognition or common name associated with something.

they are identified as

Focuses on the process of recognizing and classifying something based on specific characteristics.

they are recognized as

Emphasizes the acknowledged status or acceptance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "they are attributed" in a sentence?

You can use "they are attributed" to indicate the origin, cause, or characteristic assigned to a subject. For example, "The positive results "they are attributed" to the new strategy." In this case, the results are said to come from or be caused by the strategy.

What are some alternatives to "they are attributed"?

Alternatives include "they are assigned to", "they are credited to", or "they are ascribed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when writing "they are attributed"?

While "they are attributed" is grammatically sound, using the active voice can often make your writing clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The errors "they are attributed" to a software glitch", you could write "A software glitch caused the errors."

What is the difference between "they are attributed to" and "they contribute to"?

"They are attributed to" implies that something is the cause or origin of something else. In contrast, "they contribute to" suggests that something is one of several factors that help bring something about. For example, "stress and lack of sleep contribute to headaches", while "the headache "they are attributed" to stress.".