a substantial contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the impact or importance of someone's input or effort in a particular context, such as a project, research, or community service. Example: "Her research made a substantial contribution to our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last night, each made a substantial contribution.

The New York Times - Sports

Culture professionals can make a substantial contribution by becoming Beanstalk reading helpers.

The Guardian

These pioneering local news providers are making a substantial contribution to local plurality and civic voice.

The Guardian

Exports make a substantial contribution to the UK's balance of payments.

The Guardian

During the last cup, McCaw made a substantial contribution to Team New Zealand.

The New York Times - Sports

But the channel makes a substantial contribution to News Corp's profits.

The Guardian

Think twice before naming a trustee who can't make a substantial contribution.

The New York Times

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled record sales for 2010, with a substantial contribution from China.

The Guardian - Business

This could make a substantial contribution to eradicating malaria, combined with other tools such as insecticides".

The Guardian

"We understand we have to make a substantial contribution," one team executive said.

The New York Times

But in Miller's case, the taxpayer made a substantial contribution too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial contribution", clearly specify the area or field to which the contribution is made to provide context and emphasize its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial contribution" when the actual impact is minimal. Ensure the contribution genuinely warrants the descriptor to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial contribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., make, provide, offer). Ludwig examples show it denoting a significant impact or input.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial contribution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, confirmed by Ludwig, that serves to emphasize the significance and value of an input or effort. It appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, though it is versatile enough for academic, encyclopedic, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "a significant contribution" and "a major contribution". When using the phrase, it's best to specify the recipient of the contribution. Overstating its impact should be avoided. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, the phrase is appropriate when highlighting significant and positive impacts across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant contribution

Replaces 'substantial' with 'significant', suggesting a notable but not necessarily large contribution.

a considerable contribution

Uses 'considerable' instead of 'substantial', implying a contribution worthy of attention.

a major contribution

Emphasizes the importance of the contribution, suggesting it is of great significance.

a noteworthy contribution

Highlights that the contribution is deserving of attention or recognition.

a valuable contribution

Focuses on the usefulness and worth of the contribution.

a meaningful contribution

Indicates that the contribution has significance and purpose.

a sizable contribution

Similar to 'substantial' but might emphasize the size or scale of the contribution.

an important contribution

Stresses the relevance and consequence of the contribution.

a critical contribution

Highlights the indispensable nature of the contribution.

a fundamental contribution

Points to the foundational impact of the contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial contribution" to highlight a significant impact or input, such as: "Her work made "a substantial contribution" to the project's success".

What phrases are similar to "a substantial contribution"?

Alternatives include "a significant contribution", "a major contribution", or "a valuable contribution", each emphasizing different aspects of the contribution's importance.

Is it better to say "significant contribution" or "substantial contribution"?

Both "significant contribution" and "substantial contribution" are correct and often interchangeable. "Significant" emphasizes the importance, while "substantial" highlights the size or degree. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to make "a substantial contribution"?

To make "a substantial contribution" means to provide a significant and valuable input or effort that has a noticeable positive impact on a particular area, project, or goal.