1
Assign a cause
Explain an outcome by linking it to a factor.
Example
The decline is attributable to habitat loss.
attributable to
/əˈtrɪbjʊtəbəl tuː/ · uh-TRIB-yuh-tuh-buhl toocause phrase
Capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
Use attributable to to signal this exact relationship between ideas: capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
What attributable to Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Divide causal contribution
Identify part of an effect produced by one source.
Example
Most variation was attributable to temperature.
3
Avoid personal credit sense
Use neutral causal attribution in analysis.
Example
The error was attributable to a calibration fault.
Use attributable to Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The decline is attributable to habitat loss.
Most variation was attributable to temperature.
The error was attributable to a calibration fault.
Precision Matters
Attributable to overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
attributable to
vs.Signals capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
account for
Means to explain something or constitute a specified portion of it.
attributable to
vs.Signals capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
be associated with
Means be connected with something, without necessarily being caused by it.
attributable to
vs.Signals capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
be correlated with
Means vary in a systematic relationship with another measured variable.
attributable to
vs.Signals capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
caused by
Means produced as a result of.
Test attributable to in Context
The failure is identified as the cause of the decline.
1
The drop in output was largely ___ a week-long power failure at the main facility.