a significant contributor to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant contributor to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone or something that plays an important role in a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The research team identified climate change as a significant contributor to the decline in biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Climate change is a significant contributor to the problem.

The New Yorker

Land-clearing for palm oil is considered a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guardian

We are a significant contributor to the security of the alliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our strict behaviour policy, including on mobile phones, is a significant contributor to our improved results.

The Guardian

BP's earnings from Rosneft have been a significant contributor to its bottom line.

The Guardian - Business

But road rage, however widely discussed, is not considered a significant contributor to the accident rate.

The New York Times

This is a significant contributor to the city becoming such a major economic hub.

The Guardian

This revenue stream was a significant contributor to the publisher's financial performances.

The Guardian

This alone appears to be a significant contributor to lower death rates.

The New Yorker

We're also a significant contributor to the UK economy, having created over 2,000 jobs".

Independent

Do you believe manmade pollution is a significant contributor to global warming?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant contributor to", ensure that the noun following "to" is specific and clearly linked to the subject being described. This enhances clarity and strengthens the connection.

Common error

While "a significant contributor to" is useful, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key factor", "major element", or "primary driver" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant contributor to" functions as a modifier within a sentence, typically describing the importance of something in relation to a specific outcome or situation. It highlights the substantial impact or role that something plays, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant contributor to" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of a factor in relation to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across contexts ranging from scientific research to news reporting. While appropriate for both formal and neutral registers, remember to maintain variety in your writing by considering alternatives like "key element" or "major factor" to prevent redundancy. This phrase is very common across authoritative sources and a great way to add impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major factor in

Emphasizes importance by using "major" instead of "significant."

a key element of

Highlights the essential role, replacing "contributor" with "element."

an important component of

Stresses the role as part of a larger whole, using "component" for "contributor."

a vital part of

Indicates necessity, replacing "significant" with "vital" and "contributor" with "part."

a central aspect of

Focuses on centrality, with "aspect" replacing "contributor."

a primary driver of

Highlights the driving force aspect, using "driver" instead of "contributor."

a crucial determinant of

Stresses decisiveness, substituting "determinant" for "contributor."

a substantial influence on

Emphasizes impact, replacing "contributor" with "influence."

a notable force behind

Highlights agency and influence, using "force behind" for "contributor."

a leading cause of

Focuses on causation, with "cause" replacing "contributor."

FAQs

How can I use "a significant contributor to" in a sentence?

Use "a significant contributor to" when you want to emphasize that something plays an important role in a particular outcome or situation. For instance, "Climate change is "a significant contributor to" rising sea levels."

What are some alternatives to "a significant contributor to"?

You can use alternatives like "a major factor in", "a key element of", or "an important component of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant contributor" or "major contributor"?

Both "significant contributor" and "major contributor" are acceptable. "Significant" implies importance or consequence, while "major" suggests scale or size. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "a significant contributor to" be used in formal and informal writing?

"A significant contributor to" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but in more informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "a big help with" might be more appropriate.