a substantive contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the meaningful or significant input someone has made to a project, discussion, or field of study. Example: "Her research provided a substantive contribution to our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We approve any annotation that makes a substantive contribution, and we don't shy away from criticism".

The Guardian

"The Republicans are bad for this country" is not a substantive contribution.

The New York Times

Computerized CBT offers a substantive contribution to the delivery of effective care improving accessibility of treatment.

European Psychiatry

For a thesis that makes a substantive contribution to our understanding of a contemporary planning issue.

Columbia University

There is little argument that the fugue of language and heritage that is The Way Things Were is a substantive contribution to new writing from the subcontinent.

Independent

Mitt Romney has finally made a substantive contribution to the national security debate, offering ideas about how he would handle foreign aid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

This concept was grounded in Lyons' faith that the historically and theoretically informed student could make a more substantive contribution to theater than those students who, as in most graduate programs of drama, are engaged mainly with practical concerns.

Stanford University

NAY PYI TAW – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme WFPP) have welcomed a timely and substantive contribution of 1.6 billion Japanese Yen (approximately US$16 million) by the Government of Japan in support of the three UN agencies' activities in ethnic/border areas of Myanmar.

Unicef

America desperately needs a conservative movement that provides a thoughtful, rigorous and substantive contribution to governance in dialogue and partnership with Democrats.

The New York Times

The East Asia and Pacific Region (EAPR) has established a formal partnership which has made substantive contribution to policy and advocacy.

Unicef

All authors have made a substantive intellectual contribution to this study and participated in all stages of this work, including the design of the study.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to showcase the depth and importance of someone's input to a project or field.

Common error

While "a substantive contribution" is widely accepted, it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big help" or "a significant part" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive contribution" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantive" modifies the noun "contribution", emphasizing its significance and value. It is often used to highlight the impact of someone's work or input. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive contribution" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that highlights the significant and valuable impact of someone's input. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional settings to emphasize the importance and depth of a contribution. While the phrase is highly valued in formal communication, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant addition

Replaces "contribution" with "addition", emphasizing the act of adding something meaningful.

a meaningful input

Substitutes "substantive" with "meaningful" and "contribution" with "input", highlighting the value of the contribution.

a considerable impact

Focuses on the effect or influence resulting from the contribution, using "impact" instead.

a valuable asset

Presents the contribution as something beneficial and worthwhile.

a major advancement

Emphasizes the progress or improvement resulting from the contribution.

an important development

Highlights the significance and progress made through the contribution.

a key element

Positions the contribution as essential and fundamental to a larger whole.

a noteworthy inclusion

Highlights the significance of adding this element.

a vital component

Stresses the essential nature of the contribution to the overall structure.

a worthwhile endeavor

Highlights the effort as something positive and worthy of time and resources.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantive contribution" to emphasize the importance and meaningful impact of someone's input. For example, "Her research made "a substantive contribution" to the field of medicine."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant addition", "a meaningful input", or "a considerable impact depending on the specific context.

Is "substantive contribution" a formal phrase?

Yes, "a substantive contribution" is considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What does "a substantive contribution" imply?

It implies that the contribution is not only significant but also adds considerable value or depth to the discussion, project, or field it pertains to. It means the contribution is meaningful and impactful.