Attributing a cause or a work

The idea

Use attribute something to someone or something: the result or work comes first, then its supposed source.

Examples

• The team attributed the delay to heavy rain.
• The museum attributes the painting to an unknown artist.
• We attribute our progress to regular practice.
• The report attributed the change to warmer weather.
• The editor attributed the poem to its author.
• Do not attribute every mistake to carelessness.

Watch out

Do not use for to introduce the cause: say attribute the delay to rain.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form. Researchers attributed the decline ___ pollution. (to / for)

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   to

   To introduces pollution as the proposed cause.

2. Choose the correct form. The song is attributed ___ a local composer. (to / at)

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   to

   To introduces the composer as the proposed creator.

3. Choose the correct form. They ___ the success to teamwork. (attributed / attributing)

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   attributed

   Attributed places their explanation in the past.

Use it today

Describe a result and a possible cause.