a contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

"a contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to anything that someone gives (monetary, non-monetary, or otherwise). For example: "I am proud to make a contribution to this worthy cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You make a contribution.' ".

The New York Times

"It's a contribution.

The New York Times - Arts

He asked for a contribution.

The New Yorker

That wasn't a contribution.

The New York Times

"He made a contribution".

The New York Times

"I felt I could make a contribution.

The New Yorker

"But they really did make a contribution".

The New York Times

Mr. Dominguez had made quite a contribution.

The New York Times - Tech

Changing lifestyles have also made a contribution.

The Economist

I think we've made a contribution".

The New York Times

Mr. Tough promptly solicited a contribution.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the act of giving or providing support, use "a contribution". For instance, "Her work was a significant contribution to the project's success."

Common error

Avoid using "a contribution" as a vague substitute for more specific terms. For instance, instead of saying "His contribution was helpful", specify what he did: "His research provided valuable data" or "His guidance streamlined the process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes something given or done to help achieve something, aligning with Ludwig's examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Reference

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a contribution" is a versatile and common noun phrase used to denote something given or done to help achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. When using "a contribution", consider specifying the type of contribution to enhance clarity and avoid generic usage. Alternatives like "an input" or "an aid" can offer more specific meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an input

Emphasizes the act of providing data or ideas as part of a larger process, differing from the more general sense of providing support.

an aid

Focuses on providing help or support, particularly in a time of need, which is a more specific form of contributing.

a donation

Specifically refers to giving money or goods to a cause or organization, a subset of making "a contribution".

a service

Highlights the act of performing work or providing assistance, rather than simply offering resources.

an offering

Implies something given voluntarily, which is similar to a contribution but can also carry connotations of religious or ceremonial contexts.

a share

Indicates a portion or part given, often in a collaborative effort, which is a specific type of contribution.

a boost

Suggests providing encouragement or support to improve something, differing from a general contribution.

a hand

Focuses on direct assistance or help given, a more active involvement than a simple contribution.

a piece

Implies giving a part of something larger, like knowledge or resources, to a specific goal.

a subsidy

Refers to financial assistance given by a government or organization, a more formal and specific kind of contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "a contribution" to describe something that is given or done to help achieve something. For example, "Her research was a valuable contribution to the field" or "He made a significant contribution to the team's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "a contribution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an input", "an aid", or "a donation".

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of contribution is being made?

While not always necessary, specifying the nature of the contribution (e.g., financial, intellectual, practical) can add clarity and impact to your writing.

What's the difference between "a contribution" and "an impact"?

"A contribution" refers to the act of giving or providing something, while "an impact" refers to the effect or result of that contribution. You make "a contribution" that then has "an impact".