Attribution, the act of crediting a source, plays a significant role in preserving knowledge and establishing credibility. Understanding the range of words used for attribution is crucial for proper citation practices and academic integrity. Long words for attribution, such as “ascribed to,” “attributable to,” “credited to,” and “due to,” provide precise and nuanced expressions of the relationship between a work and its source. These verbose phrases offer specific attributions that enhance the clarity and accuracy of scholarly writing.
How to Attribute Long Words
When you’re writing, you’ll sometimes come across a long word that you want to attribute to someone. But how do you do that? Here are a few tips:
- Use quotation marks. This is the most common way to attribute a long word. Simply put the word in quotation marks, followed by the name of the person who said it. For example:
“The word ‘floccinaucinihilipilification’ is a very long word,” said Dr. Johnson.
- Use a colon. You can also use a colon to attribute a long word. Put the word before the colon, followed by the name of the person who said it. For example:
The word ‘floccinaucinihilipilification’: Dr. Johnson called it a very long word.
- Use a dash. You can also use a dash to attribute a long word. Put the word before the dash, followed by the name of the person who said it. For example:
The word ‘floccinaucinihilipilification’—Dr. Johnson called it a very long word.
- Use a footnote. If the long word is particularly important, you may want to use a footnote to attribute it. Put the word in the footnote, followed by the name of the person who said it. For example:
The word ‘floccinaucinihilipilification’ is a very long word.1
1 Dr. Johnson, Samuel. A Dictionary of the English Language. London: J. Knapton, 1755.
- Use a table. If you’re attributing multiple long words, you may want to use a table to keep track of them. The table should have two columns: one for the word and one for the person who said it. For example:
| Word | Person |
|---|---|
| Floccinaucinihilipilification | Dr. Johnson |
| Sesquipedalian | Shakespeare |
| Honorificabilitudinitatibus | Lewis Carroll |
Which method should you use?
The best method for attributing a long word depends on the context of your writing. If you’re writing a formal paper, you’ll probably want to use footnotes. If you’re writing a more informal piece, you can use quotation marks, a colon, or a dash.
Question 1:
What are other words or phrases that can be used instead of “attributed to” or “according to”?
Answer:
Long words or phrases that can be used instead of “attributed to” or “according to” include:
- Ascribed to
- Imputed to
- Laid at the door of
- Credited to
- Charged to
- Accounted to
- Traced to
- Due to
- By virtue of
- In view of
- Consequent upon
Question 2:
What is the difference between “attribution” and “citation”?
Answer:
Attribution is the act of giving credit or recognition to the source of information, while citation is a specific reference to a source in a text or document. Attribution typically involves acknowledging the author, creator, or speaker, while citation includes specific details such as the title, publication date, and page number.
Question 3:
Why is it important to use clear and concise language when attributing sources?
Answer:
Using clear and concise language when attributing sources is essential because:
- It ensures that the source is correctly and accurately identified.
- It avoids confusion and ambiguity about the origin of the information.
- It allows readers to easily access and verify the source.
- It maintains the integrity and credibility of the information.
- It demonstrates respect for the source and intellectual property rights.
Whew! That’s all the long words for attribution I could think of off the top of my head. I hope you enjoyed this little linguistic journey and learned something new along the way. If you’re craving more wordy goodness, be sure to check back later – I’ve got a whole stash of them up my sleeve. Until then, stay wordy, my friends!