a little contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of help or support provided to a project, cause, or effort. Example: "Every bit counts, and even a little contribution can make a difference in our fundraising efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Since Barron's work, a little contribution has been done to the equal strain model.

Soil and Tillage Research

The presence of a bump in CV at slow scan rate indicates a little contribution of redox species to the electrochemical capacitance of the PS-FLG materials.

Nature

I was sure there had to be something in the stacks that would serve as a little contribution from Cotsen to the mad tea party in Gotham for the Alice cognoscenti.

Princeton University

She has treated these to look like plaster in imitation of a photograph of a ceiling on the Titanic, a little contribution to Perceval's reimagining of the war in the trenches as "the last dance on the Titanic".

The Guardian

I am trying to report and write in a way that might make a little contribution to getting this thing right and on the right track — because I think it really could be that important for the world that my kids and yours are going to grow up in.

The New York Times

Comparison of the density of states in both cases, it is found that the S-3p states are responsible for conduction band, as well as the B-2p states of B-S co-doped diamond have a little contribution to its conduction band.

Carbon

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Ian Bell made a critical little contribution on the final day to consolidate his place.

The Guardian - Sport

The large ages of the water lilies (Table 1) indicate a surprisingly large contribution from water CO2 (CO2, and not bicarbonate, is the DIC species N. lutea uses for photosynthesis), and a surprisingly little contribution from sediment CO2.

Heritage Science

There is good evidence that glucose conversion to lactate under hyperglycemic conditions is a hepatic process, with little contribution of skeletal muscle, wherein plasma glucose is captured as glycogen (20).

Diabetes Care

Hence, biomass-derived cellulose is a promising feedstock for the production of a second-generation biofuel with little contribution to global warming.

AMB Express

As a result, the university made little contribution to the humanistic studies of the Renaissance, and the university subsequently declined under the impact of the Reformation and the ensuing Counter-Reformation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little contribution", consider whether a more specific term like "donation", "input", or "effort" might better suit the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a little contribution" when the actual impact is significant. Choose language that accurately reflects the magnitude of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little contribution" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English, indicating its role in describing a minor form of assistance or support.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little contribution" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a small amount of help or input. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and versatile for diverse contexts. While it's suitable for many situations, consider if a more specific term might be appropriate. The phrase sees frequent use in science, news, and academic contexts, and less frequent use in encyclopedia or business contexts. When using this phrase, be careful not to overstate the impact of the contribution. Remember there are several alternatives like "a small donation" or "a minor input" to use, always depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small donation

Focuses specifically on monetary contributions, limiting the scope to financial support.

a minor input

Highlights the action of contributing, emphasizing the small scale of the involvement.

a modest offering

Implies a humble and not overly ambitious provision or addition.

a slight addition

Emphasizes the incremental nature of the contribution.

a token gesture

Suggests the contribution is symbolic and may not be substantial.

a partial assist

Conveys the idea of providing only some assistance, not a complete solution.

a limited participation

Highlights the extent to which someone is involved, indicating a boundary.

a fractional share

Indicates the contribution is one of many, and relatively small in comparison to the rest.

a nominal role

Suggests the contribution has little impact or influence.

a supplementary element

Suggests the contribution adds to something already existing, rather than standing alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little contribution" to describe a small amount of help, support, or input towards a larger effort. For instance, "Every bit counts, and even a little contribution can make a difference."

What are some alternatives to "a little contribution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a small donation", "a minor input", or "a modest offering".

Is it better to say "a small contribution" or "a little contribution"?

Both "a small contribution" and "a little contribution" are acceptable, but "a small contribution" may sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the desired tone.

How can I emphasize the importance of even "a little contribution"?

You can highlight its significance by saying something like, "While it may seem like just a little contribution, it can have a big impact" or "Even a little contribution helps us reach our goal".