Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a smaller contribution of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a smaller contribution of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the amount or degree of something that is less than another contribution in a particular context. Example: "The study revealed that there was a smaller contribution of renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels in the overall energy mix."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
For the fiscal year that begins July 1, Mr. Corzine has proposed a smaller contribution of $400 million, Mr. Vincz said.
News & Media
A smaller contribution of functional and heteroatoms descriptors is required to extend the information embedded in the fingerprint and constitutional descriptor blocks; we would consider this block as the part of SI which explains the "fine chemical differences" within the dataset.
Science
The present data shows that during the first 5 repetitions energy is primarily derived from PCr with a smaller contribution of glycolysis, while during the second 5 repetitions glycolysis was the major energy source.
Science
In summary, this data shows that during the first 5 repetitions of a set of 10 repetitions leading to failure of bilateral leg press exercise ATP is resynthesized predominantly from PCr with a smaller contribution of glycolysis, while during the second 5 repetitions this pattern is inverted, i.e. the anaerobic ATP resynthesis is produced mostly by glycolysis.
Science
In addition, a smaller contribution of CTX-II may originate from the calcified cartilage in the subchondral bone area [ 28].
Radioligand binding studies confirm that muscarinic receptors in the bladder of humans and animals largely belong to the M2 subtype, with a smaller contribution of M3 and even smaller one of other subtypes [ 67 69].
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
There is however a small contribution of a 9 ns slow component, which is much longer than the untreated sample's 0.7 ns.
Science & Research
Uncertainties in correcting photon event positions for the observatory aspect, which occurs during ground data processing, adds a small contribution of order a few μm.
Academia
In the case of PETg, a small contribution of chain alignment to the CRR size evolution is evidenced.
Science
AC-OPCs contained mostly micropores with only a small contribution of mesopores and their pore sizes were mainly below 4 nm.
Science
The surface profile observations provided information of a small contribution of grain boundary sliding to the creep process when grain boundaries are not closely perpendicular to the stress.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a smaller contribution of", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the contribution is being compared to. Providing specific details about the relative sizes will enhance clarity.
Common error
Avoid assuming that "a smaller contribution of" automatically implies insignificance. Even a small contribution can be crucial depending on the context. Always consider the overall impact when describing relative contributions.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a smaller contribution of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a reduced quantity or degree of something relative to something else. It highlights a comparative aspect, suggesting that one input or factor is less significant than another. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a smaller contribution of" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating a reduced quantity or influence relative to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase often used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to compare the significance of different elements. While "a smaller contribution of" implies a comparison, it doesn't necessarily mean insignificance; the overall context is essential for understanding its impact. Consider using alternatives like "a reduced share of" or "a lesser portion of" for nuanced expression.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a reduced share of
This alternative emphasizes the proportional decrease in something's part or allocation.
a lesser portion of
This alternative focuses on the reduced quantity or amount of something.
a diminished role in
This alternative highlights the reduced importance or function of something.
a slighter impact on
This alternative underscores the reduced effect or influence on something.
a minimal part in
This alternative stresses the insignificance of something's involvement.
a lighter involvement in
This alternative points to a decreased degree of participation or engagement.
a marginal effect on
This alternative denotes a barely noticeable influence on something.
a minor component of
This alternative indicates something that makes up a small fraction of a whole.
a decreased fraction of
This alternative speaks to the lessening of a part in relation to the whole.
a lower percentage of
This alternative quantifies the reduced share in terms of percentage.
FAQs
How can I use "a smaller contribution of" in a sentence?
Use "a smaller contribution of" to indicate that something provides less support, influence, or input compared to something else. For example, "Renewable energy made "a smaller contribution of" the total energy supply this year".
What are some alternatives to "a smaller contribution of"?
You can use alternatives like "a reduced share of", "a lesser portion of", or "a diminished role in" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "a small contribution of" instead of "a smaller contribution of"?
Yes, "a small contribution of" is also correct, but ""a smaller contribution of"" implies a comparison to a previous or expected contribution, while "a small contribution of" simply indicates the magnitude of the contribution itself.
What's the difference between "a significant contribution of" and "a smaller contribution of"?
"A significant contribution of" indicates that something has a substantial impact or importance, while ""a smaller contribution of"" indicates that something has a reduced or lesser impact compared to something else. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the importance or the relative size of the contribution.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested