a contribution to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contribution to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that adds to or helps with a particular cause or project. Here are a few examples: - His speech made a significant contribution to the success of the fundraising event. - As part of our internship program, we ask each student to make a contribution to a local charity. - The new technology will be a valuable contribution to the company's efficiency and growth. - She has made numerous contributions to the academic field through her research and publications. - Your donation will be a meaningful contribution to the preservation of our natural resources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a contribution to others.

Harvard Business Review

A contribution to American mythology?

Stanford University

It's a contribution to peace through literature".

The New Yorker

Free with a contribution to the museum.

The New York Times - Arts

Make a contribution to a land trust.

The New York Times

It's a contribution to the country".

The Guardian

I considered it a contribution to cinema".

The Guardian - Film

Every country has a contribution to make.

The Guardian

Overseas nurses have always made a contribution to our NHS".

The Guardian

"I wrote it as a contribution to socialist revolution".

The New York Times - Magazine

Atheists can bring a contribution to the military.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contribution to", ensure it's followed by a noun phrase that clearly indicates what is being contributed to. For example, "a contribution to science", "a contribution to the community", or "a contribution to the discussion".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase with an inappropriate preposition. "A contribution for" or "a contribution at" are incorrect. The correct preposition is almost always "to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contribution to" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "make", "offer", "provide") or following a linking verb (e.g., "is", "was"). As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies something that adds value or helps advance a specific area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a contribution to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something adds value or supports a particular area. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility and widespread use across various contexts. It is predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure it's followed by a clear noun phrase indicating what's being contributed to, and remember that the correct preposition is almost always "to". Consider alternatives like ""addition to"" or ""influence on"" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an addition to

Replaces "contribution" with "addition", focusing on the act of adding something more.

an asset to

Emphasizes the value and benefit provided.

a benefit to

Highlights the positive outcome resulting from the action.

a factor in

Indicates that something is one of several elements influencing a result.

an influence on

Focuses on the power to affect something.

a part of

Implies being involved or participating in something.

an input to

Highlights the act of providing resources or ideas.

a boost for

Suggests an increase or improvement due to the action.

an investment in

Focuses on providing resources with the expectation of future returns.

a help to

Emphasizes assistance provided.

FAQs

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

Use "a contribution to" to describe something that adds value or helps advance a specific area. For example, "Her research was a significant contribution to the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to "a contribution to"?

You can use alternatives such as "an "addition to"", "an "asset to"", or "an "influence on"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make a contribution to" or "give a contribution to"?

"Make a contribution to" is more commonly used and generally preferred. "Give a contribution to" is less frequent, but still understandable. The verb "make" emphasizes the action of creating or providing the contribution.

What is the difference between "a contribution to" and "a contributor to"?

"A contribution to" refers to the thing being contributed (e.g., "His book was a valuable contribution to the field"), while "a contributor to" refers to the person or entity making the contribution (e.g., "He was a major contributor to the project").