attribute to (someone or something)

To cite as the source or reason for something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "attribute" and "to." I attribute my success to lots of hard work. That famous saying is usually, and incorrectly, attributed to Shakespeare. You'll lose points if you fail to attribute quoted material in your term paper to the correct sources.

to ascribe something to someone or something; to believe that someone or something is the source of something. We attribute our success to your good advice. I attribute all these ill-mannered memos to Andrew.