widely attributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely attributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the common belief or assumption that a particular idea, quote, or action is associated with a specific person or source, even if the attribution may not be definitively proven. Example: "The quote is widely attributed to Albert Einstein, although its true origin remains uncertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Population-wide reductions in breast cancer have been widely attributed to more cautious and targeted use of HT [ 4].

Breast Cancer Research

It can be widely attributed.

Independent

The success is widely attributed to two ingredients.

The Guardian

Mental illness was widely attributed to "uterine trouble".

The Guardian

High levels of inequality and poverty in Britain are widely attributed to low state spending.

The New York Times

Governor Whitman chose not to run, a decision widely attributed to a fear of Corzine's money.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has turned a blind eye to murders widely attributed to the security services.

The New York Times

The move was widely attributed to the anticorruption campaign of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most notable among them was the Champion Starlight Coupe, a model that is widely attributed to Loewy.

The New York Times

May's surge has been widely attributed to a fear of oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.

The New York Times

As with Milken, Gross's high pay is widely attributed to the fact that he built the business.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widely attributed", ensure the attribution is genuinely widespread and not just a personal opinion. Provide evidence or context to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "widely attributed" when the association is only supported by a limited number of sources or lacks general consensus. Overstating the prevalence of an attribution can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely attributed" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in sentences to indicate that a particular idea, action, or characteristic is commonly believed to be associated with a specific source or cause. It demonstrates a shared understanding or assumption, as Ludwig AI examples confirm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely attributed" is a verb phrase employed to denote a commonly held belief about the origin or cause of something. As Ludwig AI found out, this phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using "widely attributed", ensure the attribution is genuinely widespread and supported by evidence, avoiding overstatements that could undermine credibility. Related phrases include "commonly associated with", "generally believed to be", and "often ascribed to", each carrying subtly different nuances. Overall, using "widely attributed" effectively requires careful consideration of the context and the strength of the supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely considered to be

This emphasizes the element of thoughtful consideration. It is a strong alternative that implies that people came to the conclusion after deliberation.

generally recognized as

This phrase implies a broad, often official or expert acceptance of the attribution, providing a somewhat elevated degree of credibility.

commonly associated with

This alternative suggests a general connection rather than a confirmed origin or cause. It emphasizes association over direct attribution.

largely credited to

This phrase emphasizes acknowledgment or recognition for an achievement or contribution. It is most suitable when referring to positive outcomes.

typically attributed to

This emphasizes the typical or usual source of the attribution, with less emphasis on how common that attribution is.

generally believed to be

This highlights the element of belief or assumption, implying less definitive proof than "widely attributed".

often ascribed to

This alternative focuses on the act of assigning a quality or characteristic. It suggests a potentially subjective or interpretive connection.

commonly regarded as

This highlights a shared perception or opinion about something's nature or origin. It can also refer to a status or identity that the phrase applies to.

frequently connected with

This alternative stresses the recurrence or high frequency of the association. Use this if something keeps happening.

popularly linked to

This emphasizes the popularity or widespread nature of the connection, often in a less formal or academic context.

FAQs

How can I use "widely attributed" in a sentence?

You can use "widely attributed" to indicate that a particular idea, quote, or event is commonly associated with a specific person or cause. For example, "The economic crisis was "largely credited to" the previous administration's policies."

What phrases can I use instead of "widely attributed"?

Alternatives include "commonly associated with", "generally believed to be", or "often ascribed to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to use "widely attributed"?

Not necessarily. While "widely attributed" suggests a common association, it doesn't guarantee absolute accuracy. Always verify the attribution with reliable sources.

What's the difference between "widely attributed" and "strongly suggested"?

"Widely attributed" indicates a common belief about the source or cause, while "strongly suggested" implies a possibility or likelihood without necessarily having widespread acceptance. The former speaks to popular consensus; the latter speaks to plausibility.