contribute toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"contribute toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to help or add to a particular outcome or goal. You can use it in situations where you are discussing someone or something's impact or role in achieving a certain result or contributing to a larger effort. For example: "The team's hard work and dedication contributed significantly toward winning the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What do you contribute toward household expenses?

The New York Times

The Finance Committee requires employers to contribute toward subsidies for employees who do not get benefits.

The New York Times

The defendants agreed to contribute toward the cleanup costs, even though they deny wrongdoing.

The New York Times

One option is to ask guests to contribute toward fine art.

The New York Times - Style

That leaves just a handful of states where employees do not contribute toward their pensions.

The New York Times

"But whether we are united or not, holding the World Cup could contribute toward integration.

The New York Times - Sports

Early statehood will also contribute toward the resolution of the issues of refugees, Jerusalem and borders.

The New York Times

Mr. Penachio, 65, must also pay a $1 million fine and contribute toward the $4.2 million restitution.

The New York Times

Many factors may contribute toward such aspects of carpooling policy.

Journal of Modern Transportation

This article aims to contribute toward improved experimental standards.

EJNMMI Research

The studies here will contribute toward that goal.

European Journal of Agronomy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contribute toward", ensure that the subject making the contribution is clearly identified, and the goal or outcome being contributed to is also explicitly stated for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "contribute toward" when the contribution has a direct and complete impact. "Contribute toward" suggests a partial or supporting role, not a solo achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contribute toward" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a partial or supportive role in achieving a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, as demonstrated in numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contribute toward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a partial or supportive role in achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in Science and News & Media. Alternatives like "help with", "assist in", and "play a part in" offer similar meanings, each with subtle differences in formality or intensity. When employing "contribute toward", ensure the subject and goal are clearly identified, and avoid using it when the contribution is a complete achievement. The expression maintains a neutral tone, suitable for professional and academic settings alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help with

This alternative is more informal and general, focusing on providing assistance without necessarily implying a direct impact on a specific goal.

assist in

This alternative implies a more supportive role, often used when providing aid or support to someone or something.

play a part in

This alternative focuses on having some level of responsibility or significance in the achievement of a goal.

be instrumental in

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the contribution, suggesting a critical role in achieving the outcome.

support

This alternative emphasizes a broader form of assistance or advocacy.

lend a hand to

This alternative is an idiomatic expression for offering help, typically used in informal contexts.

add to

This alternative emphasizes the act of increasing or enhancing something, rather than directly contributing to a specific goal.

chip in for

This alternative implies contributing a small amount, often in a collaborative effort to gather resources.

donate to

This alternative is specific to giving money or resources to a cause, often charitable.

pitch in

This alternative means to contribute effort or resources to a common goal, especially in a collaborative or informal setting.

FAQs

How do I use "contribute toward" in a sentence?

Use "contribute toward" to show partial contribution to a larger goal. For example, "Your donation will "contribute toward" building a new school."

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

"Contribute to" generally implies a more direct or significant impact, while ""contribute toward"" suggests a partial or supporting role in achieving a goal.

What can I say instead of "contribute toward"?

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

Is it correct to use "contribute towards" instead of "contribute toward"?

Both "contribute toward" and "contribute towards" are grammatically acceptable and widely used. The choice between them is often a matter of regional preference or stylistic preference.