a main contributor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main contributor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone or something that plays a significant role in a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The research team identified a main contributor to the project's success as the innovative technology they implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a main contributor.

The New York Times - Sports

Saipem has long been a main contributor to the profit of its parent, the oil giant Eni.

The New York Times

Even though Britain did not have a sizable subprime mortgage market as in the United States, a steep increase in housing prices was a main contributor to Britain's buoyant economy until 2007.

The New York Times

Despite the progress the city has made toward lessening industrial air emissions, as Morrison notes, there is still the incessant dust blowing in from Mongolia, a main contributor to the air quality alert of the last two days.

The New York Times

Inevitably, climate change has risen up the agenda – not least because although the region is not a main contributor of the emissions causing global warming, it is likely to be a disproportionately affected by them.

The Guardian

Mr. Bjorgolfsson is possibly the most hated man in Iceland now, though, unlike some people here, Ms. Rasmussen doesn't conclude that he was solely responsible for what happened, calling him instead "a main contributor to Iceland's bankruptcy".

The New York Times

From California to Brazil (which has also just bungled its way into an electricity crisis), retail-price controls imposed to protect consumers have been a main contributor to the ills that consumers now rail against.

The Economist

The European transport industry is thus a main contributor to European wealth.

European Journal of Futures Research

Buildings are a main contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Apoptosis was evidenced as a main contributor of myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury.

Journal of Controlled Release

Sporadic high-energy solar particle events are a main contributor to the fluences and fluxes of such protons.

Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main contributor", ensure it's followed by 'to' and a noun or noun phrase. For instance, "a main contributor to the team's success".

Common error

Avoid using "contribute" directly when you need a noun. It's incorrect to say, "He is a main contribute." The correct form is, "He is "a main contributor"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main contributor" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies someone or something as a significant factor in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main contributor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the significant role of someone or something. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its common occurrence across diverse fields such as science, news, and business. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a key factor" or "a primary driver", it's essential to ensure correct grammatical structure (e.g., "a main contributor to"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Always be aware of choosing the proper structure and avoid the common mistake of using "contribute" as a noun instead of "contributor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key factor

This alternative focuses on the importance of the element in achieving a result or outcome.

a primary driver

This suggests a strong influence that propels something forward.

a significant influence

This highlights the impact or effect that something has on a particular situation.

a major element

This emphasizes the part something plays in a more complex context.

a critical component

This indicates the essential nature of something without which a system or process would fail.

a leading participant

This highlights the active role of someone or something in an activity or project.

a vital ingredient

This emphasizes the necessity of something in achieving a desired result, often used metaphorically.

a central figure

This emphasizes the importance of somebody in an event or action.

a core element

This alternative highlights the fundamental nature of the item.

a principal cause

This denotes something that significantly contributes to a specific outcome or event.

FAQs

How can I use "a main contributor" in a sentence?

You can use "a main contributor" to describe someone or something that plays a significant role in a particular outcome. For example, "Technology was "a main contributor" to the company's growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "a main contributor"?

You can use alternatives like "a key factor", "a primary driver", or "a significant influence" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a main contributor" and "a major contributor"?

While both phrases are similar, "a main contributor" suggests a more central or essential role, while "a major contributor" simply implies a significant one. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a contributor" and "a main contributor"?

"A contributor" simply indicates someone or something that adds to a result, whereas "a main contributor" signifies someone or something that plays a crucial or essential role in achieving that result.