contribute to

USAGE SUMMARY

"contribute to" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It's used to describe providing help or resources for a particular project or goal. For example: "I'm excited to contribute to this important cause by volunteering my time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both airports contribute to tourism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Occasionally I contribute to it.

The New York Times - Books

Don't contribute to it.

The New Yorker

Two features contribute to the minimalist design.

The New York Times - Tech

Do I think we contribute to it?

The New York Times

Several factors contribute to travel time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still other mechanisms contribute to receptor diversity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teacher motivation does contribute to student success.

The Economist

Extracts from the wood contribute to flavour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many other characteristics contribute to psychomotor behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several factors contribute to scorpions' evolutionary success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contribute to", ensure the connection between the action and the resulting outcome is clear and direct. For instance, specify how a particular factor "contributes to" a specific problem or solution.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "contributing to" without specifying the nature or extent of the contribution. Instead of saying something "contributes to success", explain precisely how it does so.

How to use

Learn how to use "contribute to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing something (either tangible or intangible) that helps to bring about a result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contribute to" is a very common and versatile phrase used to express how something helps bring about a particular result. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. To use it effectively, ensure clarity in explaining the connection between the contribution and the outcome. While "contribute to" is versatile, related alternatives like "participate in", "assist with", and "play a part in" may provide more nuanced meanings in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a part in

Highlights the role or involvement in an event or activity.

have an impact on

Focuses on the effect or influence exerted, instead of the act of contributing.

add to

Highlights the act of increasing or supplementing something.

participate in

Focuses more on the action of taking part in something, rather than directly causing an effect.

be instrumental in

Suggests a crucial or essential role in bringing about a result.

assist with

Emphasizes providing help or support, differing from a direct contribution.

factor into

Emphasizes how something is considered as part of a larger calculation or situation.

lend a hand to

Implies offering help or assistance, often in a practical sense.

support

Indicates providing assistance or resources to help something succeed.

influence

Focuses on the power to affect someone or something without direct involvement.

FAQs

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

Use "contribute to" to show how something helps to cause or achieve something else. For example, "Hard work can "contribute to" success".

What are some alternatives to "contribute to"?

You can use alternatives like "participate in", "assist with", or "play a part in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contribute to" or "contribute in"?

"Contribute to" is the correct and commonly used phrase to indicate contributing towards something. "Contribute in" is less common and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "contribute to" and "attribute to"?

"Contribute to" means to help bring about a result, while "attribute to" means to regard something as being caused by someone or something. For example, "His success "contributes to" the team's morale", versus "His success is "attributed to" his hard work".