a microscopic contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a microscopic contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insignificant input or effect in a particular context. Example: "While the research team made significant advancements, my role in the project was merely a microscopic contribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The total perpendicular mean free path can be described as a combination of a guiding center contribution and a microscopic contribution.

Advances in Space Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm in Washington, ready to make my own microscopic contribution, via an innovation contest sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Huffington Post

Considering that in 2014 eleven European countries (France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia, Estonia and Slovenia) accepted the principle of a microscopic solidarity contribution on the financial transactions.

Huffington Post

Conversely, the microscopic contribution is non-zero, which has to be interpreted as normal diffusion.

Advances in Space Research

This study aims to investigate the extracellular matrix contribution on a microscopic scale.

Microelectronic Engineering

The expression of a cystic phenotype by BM-derived cells carrying a PKD mutation, even at a microscopic level, would aid detection and provide support for a genuine epithelial contribution.

BMC Nephrology

A microscopic combustion engine.

MIT Technology Review

Discover is a microscopic sensor contained within an ingestible pill.

The Guardian

Peterman turned in a microscopic 8.2 passer rating.

The Washington Post

A microscopic view of oscillatoria, a bacteria found in freshwater.

Yale University

On a microscopic level, the state is very complicated, right?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a microscopic contribution" when you want to downplay the significance or scale of something, often in contrast to larger effects or efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "a microscopic contribution" when the actual contribution is substantial. This can create a sense of false modesty or misrepresent the true impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a microscopic contribution" functions as a noun phrase, where "microscopic" modifies the noun "contribution". It describes the nature of the contribution as being extremely small or insignificant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a microscopic contribution" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something of very small or insignificant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it finds usage across both news and scientific domains. When using it, be mindful of the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the scale of the contribution you're describing, avoiding any unintended overstatement or understatement. Consider alternatives like "a negligible contribution" or "a minimal contribution" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible contribution

Replaces "microscopic" with "negligible", emphasizing the insignificance of the contribution.

a minimal contribution

Substitutes "microscopic" with "minimal", indicating the contribution is very small.

a trivial contribution

Replaces "microscopic" with "trivial", suggesting the contribution is unimportant.

an insignificant contribution

Uses "insignificant" instead of "microscopic", highlighting the lack of importance.

a minor contribution

Employs "minor" to convey that the contribution is small in scale or impact.

a small contribution

Uses simpler language to express that the contribution is not large.

a slight contribution

Emphasizes the small degree or amount of the contribution.

a nominal contribution

Suggests the contribution is so small it's barely worth mentioning.

a token contribution

Implies the contribution is made more as a gesture than for its actual value.

a virtually non-existent contribution

Exaggerates the smallness to the point of near absence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a microscopic contribution" to describe something that has a very small or insignificant impact on a larger outcome. For example, "While the research team made significant advancements, my role in the project was merely "a microscopic contribution"."

What's a good alternative to "a microscopic contribution"?

Alternatives include "a negligible contribution", "a minimal contribution", or "an insignificant contribution". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a microscopic contribution" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but be mindful of the context. Using it can downplay your role, which might be suitable in some situations but not in others, like highlighting your achievements.

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

"A microscopic contribution" implies an extremely small or almost immeasurable effect, whereas "a minor contribution" suggests a small but noticeable impact. The former is more diminutive.