contribute to shaping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contribute to shaping' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe how something helps create a specific desired outcome. For example: His research and experience have contributed to shaping new policies for public schools.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think there are real opportunities to contribute to shaping its evolution.

Harvard University

We can all contribute to shaping of the law and our human rights.

Columbia University

In addition, the anthropogenic changes contribute to shaping the actual Ural Delta architecture.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

It will be important to assess how much the connections between siblings actually contribute to shaping their sensory responses.

Nature

Thus, multiple factors contribute to shaping the organization of conceptual information in ATL and the temporal lobe more generally.

Nature

My life had been profoundly shaped by academics, and I felt called to contribute to shaping the lives of others.

Yale University

Dispersal limitations contribute to shaping plant distribution patterns and thus are significant for biodiversity conservation and urban ecology.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

It thus remains unclear what circuit mechanisms in the ACC contribute to shaping pain experience, and how specific those circuits are to nociception.

Stanford University

An experimental project in curbing climate change that began in 1997 is now being studied to see if lessons learned can contribute to shaping global climate policy.

The Washington Post

We illustrate how the organizational position − and related vested interests − of facilitating agents contribute to shaping platform agendas, functions, and outcomes.

NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences

The organization, which partners with UNICEF and the U.N. Development program, seeks to elicit "small actions" that "contribute to shaping the world" by leading to "specific and tangible outcomes" that "generate real impact".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contribute to shaping", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being influenced or formed. For example, "Community feedback can contribute to shaping the future development plans."

Common error

Avoid using "contribute to shaping" with an unclear subject. Ensure it's explicit what or who is contributing. For example, instead of "Efforts contribute to shaping", specify "Community efforts contribute to shaping..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute to shaping" functions as a connector, indicating a causal relationship where one element assists in the formation or development of another. As Ludwig AI explains, it shows how something helps create a specific desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Academia

27%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contribute to shaping" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates influence or participation in the formation or development of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to show how something helps create a desired outcome. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it frequently appears in scientific and academic writing, as well as in news and media. While its register is neutral to formal, ensuring clarity in its usage is paramount. Related phrases like "help to mold" or "assist in forming" can provide alternatives, but "contribute to shaping" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help to mold

This alternative emphasizes the act of influencing something into a particular form.

assist in forming

This option focuses on aiding the creation or development process.

play a part in shaping

This highlights the involvement and influence in the shaping process.

have a hand in shaping

This suggests a direct influence or involvement in the development.

be instrumental in shaping

This emphasizes the crucial role in influencing the outcome.

influence the formation of

This focuses on affecting the way something is created or developed.

impact the development of

This highlights the effect on the growth or progress of something.

factor into the shaping of

This suggests being one of the elements that affect the shaping process.

lend itself to shaping

This focuses on how something's inherent qualities make it able to be shaped

be conducive to shaping

This alternative points out the way something is well-suited to be shaped.

FAQs

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

You can use "contribute to shaping" to show how something influences a particular outcome. For instance, "Your feedback will "contribute to shaping" the final product."

What are some alternatives to "contribute to shaping"?

Alternatives include "help to mold", "assist in forming", or "play a part in shaping", depending on the specific context you're using it in.

Is it better to use "contribute to shape" or "contribute to shaping"?

"Contribute to shaping" is generally preferred because it uses the gerund form, indicating an ongoing process or influence. "Contribute to shape" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "contribute to shaping" and "influence"?

"Contribute to shaping" implies a collaborative or supportive role in the formation of something, while "influence" is a broader term that suggests having an effect, which may or may not be collaborative. You can "contribute to shaping" something by providing resources, feedback or ideas. Influencing can be implicit and not requiring that a collaboration happens.