a decisive contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impactful input or effort made towards a particular outcome or goal. Example: "Her research provided a decisive contribution to the understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Michael Offer, a spokesman for Germany's Finance Ministry, described the decision as a "decisive contribution" to help resolve global imbalances.

The New York Times

A decisive contribution from erstwhile target Jamie Vardy would certainly encapsulate current frustrations.

The Guardian - Sport

This work, in turn, made a decisive contribution to the development of Tang romantic fiction.

Britannica

They make a decisive contribution to the success of the most popular sporting event.

The Guardian - Sport

But do not let the scarcity of sprinting cloud his ability to make a decisive contribution.

The Guardian - Sport

It has put the UK in a position to make a decisive contribution to the global effort.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Yet the lively Mackay-Steven would make a more decisive contribution soon afterwards by winning a penalty kick.

BBC

A more decisive contribution from Richarlison would have finished Arsenal off long before he was withdrawn with 11 minutes remaining, for where there was a wrong option to take he plumped for it every single time.

The Guardian - Sport

Hawkish voices in the US Congress have already pressed President Barack Obama to make a more decisive contribution.

BBC

Hazard drove wide after breaking into the area but the Chelsea forward made a more decisive contribution in the 88th minute, breaking down the left flank and pulling back for Origi to score.

BBC

Rejecting the widely held view that the democratic process, electoral, legislative and executive, reaches decisions by bargaining and log-rolling among fixed interests, he argued that discussion on the basis of shared values makes a further and decisive contribution by transforming such preferences.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decisive contribution", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the specific impact or change that resulted from the contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive contribution" if the impact is only partial or contributory; reserve it for situations where the contribution clearly and directly led to a significant outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive contribution" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant factor or action leading to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decisive contribution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a significant impact or key factor in achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig AI supports this by showing a multitude of examples from reliable sources, indicating its versatility across various contexts. While appropriate for neutral to formal registers, it is less common in casual conversation. It's recommended to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the crucial role something played in leading to a specific result. Furthermore, when using the expression, consider the impact and context to ensure it accurately reflects the scale of the contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical contribution

This alternative emphasizes the essential nature of the contribution.

a significant contribution

This alternative highlights the importance of the contribution.

a major contribution

This phrase suggests the contribution is substantial in scale or impact.

a vital contribution

This emphasizes the necessity and importance of the contribution to the outcome.

a crucial contribution

Focuses on how essential the contribution is to the result.

an instrumental role

This alternative focuses on the action or role that was key or essential.

a key factor

This option highlights the most important element that had an effect.

a pivotal influence

This denotes a turning point, showcasing the impact and importance of the contribution.

a game-changing impact

Suggests the contribution significantly altered the situation or outcome.

a fundamental impact

Highlights the deep and structural effect of the contribution.

FAQs

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

Use "a decisive contribution" to highlight a key action or input that significantly influenced an outcome. For instance, "Her research made a decisive contribution to our understanding of climate change".

What can I say instead of "a decisive contribution"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical contribution", "a significant contribution", or "a major contribution" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a decisive contribution" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, using "a decisive contribution" in informal settings may sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "helped a lot" or "made a big difference".

What makes "a decisive contribution" different from "a helpful contribution"?

"A decisive contribution" implies a more significant and direct impact on the outcome, whereas "a helpful contribution" suggests assistance that may not have been the determining factor.