an outstanding contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or exceptional input or effort made by an individual or group in a particular context, such as a project, research, or community service. Example: "Her research paper was recognized for making an outstanding contribution to the field of environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Italy, too, made an outstanding contribution.

The New York Times

Justin is making an outstanding contribution to our work.

The Guardian

"Alexander McQueen made an outstanding contribution to British fashion," said the culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw.

The Guardian

Finally, and with most acclaim, Robert Plant was rewarded for making an outstanding contribution to music.

The Guardian - Music

Basanavičius' founding of the Lithuanian Scientific Society in 1907 was an outstanding contribution to Lithuanian learning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This week, Davidson will an outstanding contribution to photography award at the Sony World Photography awards ceremony in London.

The Guardian - Arts

Take That themselves received an outstanding contribution to British music award from Radio 1's Chris Moyles.

The Guardian - Music

The prize is awarded for journalism which makes "an outstanding contribution towards the greater understanding of political issues".

The Guardian

The medal is awarded annually to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the arts.

The New York Times

The winners have demonstrated innovative, pioneering work and made an outstanding contribution to social welfare in their communities.

The Guardian

There are those who would promote Finn at Bresnan's expense, but the Yorkshireman made an outstanding contribution at Trent Bridge.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an outstanding contribution" when you want to emphasize the exceptional quality and significance of someone's input or work. It is suitable for formal settings and highlights notable achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "an outstanding contribution" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "a great help" or "really useful" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding contribution" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "made," "is") or as a complement. It describes a specific and noteworthy input or effort. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and is appropriate for formal use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an outstanding contribution" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a significant and exceptional input. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, particularly in news media and business settings. While alternatives exist, such as "a remarkable achievement" or "a significant impact", "an outstanding contribution" specifically emphasizes the act of contributing something of exceptional value. It's important to consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional accomplishment

Similar but focuses on accomplishment rather than the act of contributing.

a substantial accomplishment

Similar but uses a stronger adjective and the noun 'accomplishment'.

a remarkable achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect rather than the contribution itself.

a commendable input

Focuses on the act of providing input, emphasizing praise.

a significant impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence made, rather than the contribution.

a praiseworthy addition

Highlights the positive nature of adding something new.

a sterling service

Highlights the quality of the service provided.

a noteworthy effort

Highlights the effort expended, less emphasis on the results.

an important addition

Less emphatic, suggesting importance rather than excellence.

a valuable asset

Describes the person or thing as being beneficial, rather than describing their contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "an outstanding contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "an outstanding contribution" to highlight someone's significant positive impact, as in: "Her research made "an outstanding contribution" to the field."

What are some alternatives to "an outstanding contribution"?

Alternatives to "an outstanding contribution" include "a remarkable achievement", "a significant impact", or "a noteworthy effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make an outstanding contribution to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to say "make an outstanding contribution to" something. For example: "He made "an outstanding contribution" to the project's success."

What is the difference between "an outstanding contribution" and "an excellent contribution"?

"An outstanding contribution" suggests something exceptionally remarkable and impactful, whereas "an excellent contribution" simply implies a high level of quality. The former carries a stronger emphasis on significance.