are contributing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are contributing to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of adding to or playing a part in a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The researchers found that various factors are contributing to the rise in global temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You are contributing to it.

The Guardian - Music

Human beings are contributing to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are contributing to higher earnings for many big insurers.

The New York Times

But arts organisations are contributing to the demolition.

The Guardian

The City's woes are contributing to Britain's economic downturn too.

The New York Times

We need people here who are contributing to our economy.

The Guardian

New campaign finance rules also are contributing to the scrum.

The New York Times

Not all of Iraq's neighbours are contributing to its security.

The Guardian

Several factors are contributing to the steep rice in prices.

The New York Times

Still, many restaurants are contributing to the new relief fund.

The New York Times

He said that Les Bleus are contributing to increasing racism.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are contributing to" when you want to emphasize the active role of multiple factors or entities in bringing about a certain result. For example, "Several factors are contributing to the company's success."

Common error

Avoid using "are contributing to" when a single, direct cause is responsible for an outcome. Instead of saying "Lack of funding is contributing to the project's failure" (when it's the sole reason), consider "Lack of funding is causing the project's failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are contributing to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that multiple entities or factors are actively involved in bringing about a particular result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and wide-spread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are contributing to" is a versatile phrase used to describe the combined influence of multiple factors on a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a neutral register. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the multiple influences on a situation, but be careful not to use it in place of a single, direct cause. Remember, several factors "are contributing to" clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are adding to

Focuses on the additive nature of the contribution.

are playing a part in

Emphasizes the involvement or role in a process or outcome.

are influencing

Highlights the effect of the contribution on something.

are factoring into

Suggests the contribution is one of several elements considered.

are leading to

Indicates the contribution is directly causing a result.

are helping to create

Focuses on the creation aspect of the contribution.

are assisting with

Highlights the supportive nature of the contribution.

are promoting

Emphasizes the supportive and encouraging aspect.

are fostering

Emphasizes the nurturing and developmental aspect.

are enabling

Suggests that they are making something possible.

FAQs

How do I use "are contributing to" in a sentence?

Use "are contributing to" when you want to show that multiple things are helping to cause a particular outcome or effect. For example, "These policies "are contributing to" the improvement of the local economy."

What can I say instead of "are contributing to"?

You can use alternatives like "are adding to", "are playing a part in", or "are influencing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are contributing to" or "is contributing to"?

"Are contributing to" is used when referring to multiple subjects or a plural subject. "Is contributing to" is used when referring to a single subject. For example, "Several factors are contributing to the problem" vs. "One factor is contributing to the problem".

What's the difference between "are contributing to" and "are responsible for"?

"Are contributing to" suggests that multiple factors are influencing an outcome, but not necessarily directly causing it. "Are responsible for" indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "Increased emissions "are contributing to" climate change" (along with other factors) vs. "The driver was responsible for the accident" (directly caused it).