contribute something that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contribute something that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of providing or adding value to a particular topic, project, or discussion. Example: "We encourage all team members to contribute something that enhances our overall project outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I can contribute something that will enhance what I think is the best highway in the world," he said.

The New York Times

"I started to think that what I'd love to do is to contribute something that would not only be entertaining but would allow me to be a real person: I wanted to tell stories.

The New York Times

Companies like to say that they aim for the third approach, but they do not always find it easy.In the end, though, do knowledge workers not always contribute something that is unmeasurable?

The Economist

I wanted to wait until I felt I could really contribute something that had the kind of edge I'd always been looking for since I started.' Although these films might have had edge without box office, the combined effect was to make Leo an almost impossible combination, an edgy Hollywood star.

The Guardian - Film

With this important national competition coming up, I wanted to contribute something that would make this event very memorable for the pupils in the final.

Science Magazine

If I can reach my potential, I'll have the chance to contribute something that reflects myself and our time!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"To the extent that they do that, they will be contributing something that will not happen unless they do it," he said.

The New York Times

He had been a great success, he had made hundreds of friends and thousands of admirers, he had contributed something that had not happened before in his country, or anywhere else, to literature, comedy, and journalism, and he was leaving behind him an imposing monument.

The New Yorker

Comments included enjoying having some company, being able to express their opinions freely, and feeling that they had contributed something that might benefit others in the future: "...it makes me feel that at least somebody's interested in me".

BMC Geriatrics

He said his selection as chef for this dinner showed that he had "contributed something that the public at large wants and respects".

The New York Times - Food

Every single one of us must, whether gainfully employed or not yet suitably compensated for our skills, wake up every day willing to contribute something positive that deserves remuneration.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contribute something that" when you want to highlight the specific addition or value that someone or something brings to a situation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "contribute something that" repeatedly in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "provide something that" or "offer something valuable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute something that" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and a relative clause. It indicates the act of providing or adding something with a specific characteristic or purpose. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contribute something that" is grammatically correct and serves to express the intention of adding value with a specific attribute or purpose. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure you highlight the specific value being added and consider alternative phrasings in formal contexts to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add something which

Replaces "that" with "which", a subtle variation in relative pronoun usage.

provide something that

Substitutes "contribute" with "provide", emphasizing the act of supplying something.

offer something that

Replaces "contribute" with "offer", suggesting a voluntary contribution.

supply something that

Similar to "provide", but with a stronger emphasis on fulfilling a need.

lend something that

Implies a temporary or conditional contribution.

impart something that

Suggests conveying knowledge, wisdom, or a particular quality.

bring something that

Highlights the act of carrying or introducing something beneficial.

inject something that

Implies adding something new and invigorating.

infuse something that

Suggests permeating or filling something with a particular quality.

add value by

This alternative focuses on the outcome rather than the direct action, emphasizing the result of contributing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "contribute something that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "provide a contribution that", "offer an element that", or "supply something which". These options often suit academic or professional settings better.

Is there a difference between using "that" and "which" after "contribute something"?

While both "that" and "which" can follow "contribute something", "that" is generally used for restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), whereas "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). For example, "contribute something that improves efficiency" (essential) vs. "contribute something, which is always appreciated" (extra info).

What verbs are similar to "contribute" when using the phrase "contribute something that"?

Synonyms for "contribute" in this context include "offer", "provide", "add", "supply", and "lend". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to decide if a relative pronoun "that" or "which" is needed after "contribute something"?

The choice between "that" and "which" is based on whether the clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive. If the information is essential, use "that"; if it provides extra, non-essential detail, use "which", setting it off with commas.