was attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

"was attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone or something is given credit for an action, statement, etc. For example, "The success of the project was attributed to the dedication of the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Later its variability was attributed to vegetation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The book was attributed to "St.

The New York Times

The account was attributed to AEC "scientists".

The New Yorker

The text was attributed to John Stirling Walker.

The New York Times

Her death was attributed to hyperthermia.

The New York Times

The cause was attributed to "pilot error".

The New York Times

Mr. Benson's was attributed to health reasons.

The New York Times

It was attributed to Donald Trump.

The New York Times

That crash was attributed to pilot error.

The New York Times

It was attributed to "well-placed sources".

The New York Times

In the original, "known unknowns" was attributed to Dick Cheney.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was attributed", ensure that the subject to which the quality or action is being attributed is clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "was attributed" with plural subjects. The correct form for plural subjects is "were attributed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was attributed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a cause, quality, or origin is being assigned to a subject. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where various outcomes are linked to specific factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was attributed" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to assign a cause, quality, or origin to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedic content, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives like "was credited to" or "was ascribed to" offer subtle variations in meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure clear subject-verb agreement and consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was ascribed to

Similar to "attributed", but can imply a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

was credited to

This alternative emphasizes recognition and acknowledgment of achievement.

was due to

Directly indicates causation or consequence.

was the result of

States a direct causal relationship between events.

resulted from

Highlights the outcome or effect of a specific cause.

was assigned to

Focuses on allocation or association of something to a specific source.

was linked to

Suggests a connection or association, but not necessarily direct causation.

stemmed from

Implies origin or derivation from a particular cause or source.

was put down to

Suggests a casual or informal explanation for something.

originated from

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of something.

FAQs

How do I use "was attributed" in a sentence?

Use "was attributed" when you want to indicate that a particular cause, origin, or characteristic has been assigned to something. For example, "The company's success "was attributed to" its innovative marketing strategy".

What can I say instead of "was attributed"?

You can use alternatives like "was credited to", "was assigned to", or "was ascribed to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was attributed to" or "attributed to"?

"Was attributed to" is the passive voice construction, while "attributed to" requires an active subject. For example, "The decline in sales was attributed to the economic downturn" (passive) versus "Analysts attributed the decline in sales to the economic downturn" (active).

What's the difference between "was attributed to" and "resulted from"?

"Was attributed to" implies assigning a cause or characteristic, whereas "resulted from" indicates a direct consequence or outcome. "The improvement was attributed to increased surveillance" vs. "The accident resulted from reckless driving".