"is caused by" vs "is attributed to"

Question

"is caused by" vs "is attributed to"

Both "is caused by" and "is attributed to" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Is caused by" is used to indicate the direct reason or cause of something, while "is attributed to" is used to assign credit or blame for something. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to the cause or the attribution of something.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

Use "is caused by" when you want to specify the direct cause of an event, situation, or outcome.

Examples:

The accident is caused by the slippery road.
The disease is caused by a virus.
The delay is caused by a technical issue.
The fire is caused by faulty wiring.
The noise is caused by construction work.

Alternatives:

is the result of
is due to
is a consequence of
stems from
originates from

Use "is attributed to" when you want to credit or blame a particular person, thing, or factor for a certain outcome or situation.

Examples:

The discovery is attributed to the hard work of the research team.
The success of the project is attributed to effective teamwork.
The failure of the plan is attributed to poor communication.
The painting is attributed to a famous artist.
The quote is attributed to Shakespeare.

Alternatives:

is credited to
is ascribed to
is assigned to
is linked to
is connected to

Answer 1

is caused by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the direct reason or cause of something.

Answer 2

is attributed to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to assign credit or blame for something.

"is caused by" vs "is attributed to"

is caused by

is attributed to

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