a real contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or authenticity of someone's input or effort in a particular context. Example: "Her research provided a real contribution to the field of environmental science, leading to new insights and solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Cameron has made a real contribution.

The New York Times

This campaign will make a real contribution".

The Guardian

In time, this will be seen as a real contribution.

The New York Times

I feel as if I'm making a real contribution.

The New York Times

In doing so, she makes a real contribution to our knowledge of family relations in Shanghai.

Yale University

"I think Bob Hunter has got a real contribution to make here".

The New York Times

"This was a real contribution to the cost of existing," her father said.

The New York Times

Motivated students working on meaningful projects can make a real contribution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"This is an area where I can make a real contribution," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As the country in Europe with the biggest defence budget we can make a real contribution.

The Guardian

It's a contribution to scholarship and a real contribution to tourism".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real contribution" to emphasize the positive and impactful nature of someone's work or effort. For example, "Her dedication was a real contribution to the project's success."

Common error

Avoid using "a real contribution" in contexts where the contribution is minimal or expected. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real contribution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It signifies something of genuine value or importance that has been added or provided. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase denotes a tangible or impactful offering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real contribution" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significance and value of an action or effort. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, this phrase frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and business settings. Related phrases like "a genuine contribution" or "a substantial contribution" offer nuanced alternatives, allowing writers to fine-tune their message. While versatile, it’s crucial to avoid overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. Employing "a real contribution" judiciously enhances clarity and persuasiveness in expressing appreciation or recognizing significant achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine contribution

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the contribution.

a substantial contribution

Highlights the significance and magnitude of the contribution.

a meaningful contribution

Focuses on the importance and purposefulness of the contribution.

a significant contribution

Stresses the notable impact and importance of the contribution.

a valuable contribution

Underscores the worth and benefit derived from the contribution.

a tangible contribution

Highlights the concrete and measurable nature of the contribution.

a practical contribution

Focuses on the usefulness and applicability of the contribution.

a noteworthy contribution

Emphasizes that the contribution is deserving of attention and recognition.

a considerable contribution

Indicates that the contribution is of a noteworthy size or amount.

an effective contribution

Highlights the success and impact of the contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real contribution" to highlight the significance of someone's actions or work. For example, "His innovative approach was "a real contribution" to the field of medicine."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a genuine contribution", "a substantial contribution", or "a meaningful contribution" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "real contribution" or "a real contribution"?

The phrase "a real contribution" is more grammatically correct and commonly used. The article "a" makes the phrase sound more natural and idiomatic.

What's the difference between "a real contribution" and "a significant impact"?

"A real contribution" emphasizes the act of giving or providing something of value, while "a significant impact" focuses on the effect or consequence of that contribution. They are related but not interchangeable; a contribution leads to an impact.