contributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"contributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when an act has helped achieve a positive result or outcome. Example: My volunteer work at the animal shelter contributed to the increased adoptions of homeless cats and dogs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That contributed to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I contributed to causes.

The New York Times - Arts

Silvia Taulés contributed to reporting.

The New York Times

Everybody contributed to the offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"He contributed to the momentum.

The New York Times - Arts

Possibly that contributed to confusion.

The New York Times - Books

So that contributed to it.

The New Yorker

"I contributed to this society; I contributed to Alice Springs.

The Guardian

Everyone contributed to the run.

The New York Times - Sports

AAP contributed to this report.

The Guardian

"Everyone contributed to the madness".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contributed to", ensure the subject clearly demonstrates a direct or indirect influence on the outcome you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "contributed to" when the connection between the subject and the outcome is tenuous or unsubstantiated. Ensure there is a reasonable basis for claiming influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contributed to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has played a role in bringing about a particular outcome or result. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and accepted in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contributed to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that something has played a role in bringing about a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's prevalent across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While highly versatile, ensure that the attributed influence is well-substantiated and reasonable. Alternatives include "added to", "played a part in", and "helped bring about", each offering nuanced shades of meaning. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and proper usage, you can effectively convey influence and causality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made a contribution to

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the positive or additive impact.

played a part in

Emphasizes the role or involvement of someone or something in a broader event or process.

had a hand in

Indicates involvement, often suggesting a more active or direct participation.

added to

Focuses on the aspect of increasing or supplementing something, rather than necessarily causing a specific result.

assisted in

Highlights the support or aid provided in achieving something.

helped bring about

Highlights the assistance provided in causing something to happen.

was instrumental in

Suggests a crucial or vital role in achieving a particular outcome.

factored into

Implies that something was considered as one element among others in determining an outcome.

advanced

Suggests moving something forward or helping it progress.

lent itself to

Focuses on how something was suitable or adaptable for a particular purpose or result.

FAQs

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

Use "contributed to" to show how something helped to cause or achieve a particular result. For example, "Her hard work "contributed to" the team's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "contributed to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "added to", "played a part in", or "helped bring about".

Is it correct to say "contributed in" instead of "contributed to"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""contributed to"". "Contributed in" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "contributed to" and "resulted in"?

"Contributed to" indicates that something helped to bring about a result, while "resulted in" indicates that something directly caused a result. The former suggests influence, while the latter suggests causation.