a major contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or impact of someone's work or input in a particular context, such as research, projects, or community efforts. Example: "Her research provided a major contribution to our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brasses in churches provide a major contribution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's made a major contribution.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think the merger really was a major contribution".

The New York Times

Everybody knows that he made a major contribution".

The New York Times

They have made a major contribution to my success".

The Guardian - Sport

Well, I think [Lucas] made a major contribution.

The New Yorker

He also made a major contribution by the quality and originality of his research and publications.

The Guardian

None the less, the film is a major contribution to our understanding of the western genre.

The Guardian

A major contribution came from Mr. Dempster, the cellist in the pit playing Cage's music.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Fisher made a major contribution to medicine and to the quality of life.

The New York Times

We endorsed Mrs. Clinton, and we know that she has a major contribution to make.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a major contribution", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area or field to which the contribution is being made. This adds clarity and emphasizes the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a major contribution" when the actual impact is minimal or incremental. Reserve the phrase for instances where the contribution has truly transformative effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major contribution" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies something or someone's significant input or influence to a particular field, project, or outcome. Ludwig provides many examples showcasing this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major contribution" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to highlight significant impact or value. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's frequently found in News & Media and Science, its usage is versatile enough for Encyclopedias and Formal & Business settings. To ensure clarity and impact, always specify the area to which the contribution is being made, and avoid overstating the significance when the actual impact is minimal. Consider alternatives like "a significant contribution" or "a substantial contribution" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant contribution

Replaces "major" with "significant", emphasizing importance and impact.

a substantial contribution

Substitutes "major" with "substantial", highlighting the considerable size or importance of the contribution.

a considerable contribution

Uses "considerable" instead of "major", stressing the noteworthiness of the contribution.

a key contribution

Replaces "major" with "key", pointing out that the contribution is essential or crucial.

a vital contribution

Substitutes "major" with "vital", indicating the contribution is necessary for success or survival.

a crucial contribution

Uses "crucial" instead of "major", emphasizing that the contribution is critical and decisive.

a primary contribution

Substitutes "major" with "primary", highlighting the most important or fundamental aspect.

an important contribution

Replaces "major" with "important", broadly denoting significance and value.

a fundamental contribution

Substitutes "major" with "fundamental", stressing the basic and essential nature of the contribution.

a valuable contribution

Uses "valuable" instead of "major", simply points out the worth of the contribution.

FAQs

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

Use "a major contribution" to highlight a significant impact or role in a particular field or project. For example, "Her research was "a major contribution" to the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to saying "a major contribution"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant contribution", "a substantial contribution", or "a key contribution" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "major contribution" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major contribution" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and news contexts to denote considerable impact or value.

What's the difference between "a major contribution" and "a minor contribution"?

"A major contribution" indicates a substantial and significant impact, while "a minor contribution" suggests a small or less important impact. The choice depends on the magnitude of the effect being described.