idiom - in attributing

[sonu_gmat]

In attributing x to y, they are told that......

Can you please explain what is wrong with the idiom 'in attributing' here. As per OG this is incorrect idiomatic expression. If I put this in the following way would it be correct?

In attributing x to y, they told that......

[anusuthakaran]

Hi,

I think nothing is wrong with the idiom.
the option is wrong because 'in attributing....allergy' is a phrase modifying the noun 'perpetrators' following it. Therefore the sentence isnt logical.

[esledge]

The idiomatic part of this is "attribute x to y," which is correct. For the record, "attribute x as y" is incorrect.

You can say "In attibuting x to y" or "by attributing x to y" or "when attributing x to y," etc. depending on the context.

All of those examples are modifiers, so the next thing to consider is whether they modify the correct noun or action--anusuthakaran put you on the right path to answer the question you have in mind. (thanks!)