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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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contribute a little

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"contribute a little" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to make a small contribution to a project or activity. For example, you could write, "We need everyone to contribute a little in order to get this project finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

A pretty assistant who smiles and makes eye contact saying something like "Won't you please contribute a little something for the performer?" can easily double the contributions.

"I contribute a little annually -- it's very, very small".

News & Media

The New York Times

It's definitely a good feeling to go out and contribute a little bit".

There was, after all, the chance to contribute a little style".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I'll get somebody who has a car, and perhaps I can contribute a little petrol to go around".

When it came to bargaining, they were willing to contribute a little more and take a little less than the others, thereby facilitating agreement.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

While its political action committee contributed a little to some Democrats in 2008, including Senator Baucus, its contributions last year went almost entirely to Republicans, with a large amount going to the Mitt Romney campaign.

News & Media

The New York Times

"The economy contributes a little bit to the problem.

News & Media

The New York Times

(The United States is contributing a little more than $500 million).

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I contributed a little bit to the Kaplan-Sheinwold system.

And it contributed a little bit to my reluctance to root for him.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for help, use "contribute a little" to soften your request, implying that the effort required is minimal and manageable.

Common error

Avoid using "contribute a little" when a significant contribution is actually needed. It can downplay the importance of the task and mislead potential contributors.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute a little" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of making a minor or modest contribution. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contribute a little" is a common and grammatically sound way to suggest or request a small contribution. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, making it suitable for everyday conversations. When using this phrase, ensure that the requested contribution genuinely aligns with the implication of being small to avoid miscommunication. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "make a modest contribution".

FAQs

How can I use "contribute a little" in a sentence?

You can use "contribute a little" when asking someone to make a small contribution to a project or activity. For example, "We need everyone to "contribute a little" in order to get this project finished on time".

What are some alternatives to "contribute a little"?

Is it appropriate to use "contribute a little" in formal writing?

While "contribute a little" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "make a modest contribution" or "provide a slight input" in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "contribute a little" and "contribute significantly"?

"Contribute a little" implies a small or minor contribution, while "contribute significantly" suggests a substantial or important contribution. The choice depends on the actual level of contribution you want to convey.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: