contributed to the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contributed to the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how someone or something has played a role in developing or shaping a particular concept or thought. Example: "Her research and insights significantly contributed to the idea of sustainable urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

If anything, the dopey defense strategy contributed to the idea that the boys were guilty.

The New York Times

I don't think people realize what he did, how much he contributed to the idea of home cooking in America".

The New York Times - Food

I do think it contributed to the idea in some people's minds that racist abuse is tolerated again.

The Guardian - Sport

He admitted however that the BBC contributed to the idea of Savile as the "nation's favourite uncle".

The Guardian

"I'm sure it did help us," says Rice-Oxley. "And I suppose the fact that we were top and then our album did so well maybe contributed to the idea within the industry that this poll is particularly important".

The Guardian - Music

The large number of people and the various ways to enter and leave the space – meeting, talking, eating lunch, making a public space private – all contributed to the idea of using these sounds to redefine and direct the experience.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Benjamin Tseng, principal at 1955 Capital, contributed to the ideas and information shared in this article.

TechCrunch

All authors contributed to the ideas addressed in the manuscript.

Evolutionary Applications

Over 200 young people contributed to the ideas.

Unicef

MS contributed to the ideas, the drafting and the revision of the manuscript.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

SK and JMD have contributed to the ideas of the project.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contributed to the idea", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific way in which the contribution was made. Providing details strengthens the statement and adds credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "contributed to the idea" without specifying how the contribution occurred. For example, instead of saying "His work contributed to the idea", specify "His research on X contributed to the idea of Y by demonstrating Z."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contributed to the idea" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating influence or involvement in the development of a specific concept or thought. It signifies that someone or something played a role in shaping or advancing an idea. Ludwig examples show usage across different fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contributed to the idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote influence or participation in developing a concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is applicable across various contexts, primarily in scientific and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the context precisely specifies how the contribution occurred. While alternatives exist, such as "added to the concept" or "helped shape the notion", the choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Understanding the register and potential for vague attribution can enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

added to the concept

Focuses on the addition of elements to an existing concept.

helped shape the notion

Emphasizes the role in forming or molding the idea.

played a part in the thought

Highlights participation in the development of a thought.

influenced the thinking

Focuses on the impact on someone's thought process.

advanced the theory

Implies progress or furtherance of a theory.

furthered the concept

Indicates a role in moving the concept forward.

assisted in developing the thought

Highlights assistance in the creation of a thought.

supported the hypothesis

Emphasizes backing or validating a hypothesis.

aided the formation of the concept

Focuses on assistance in the creation of a concept.

backed the theoretical framework

Implies support for a pre-existing theoretical framework.

FAQs

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

You can use "contributed to the idea" to show that someone or something helped to develop a concept, for example, "Her research "contributed to the idea" that climate change is impacting migration patterns."

What are some alternatives to "contributed to the idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "added to the concept", "helped shape the notion", or "played a part in the thought".

Is it better to say "contributed to the idea" or "contributed to the concept"?

Both "contributed to the idea" and "contributed to the concept" are correct. The best choice depends on the specific context and whether you're emphasizing a general thought or a more structured concept.

How is "influenced the idea" different from "contributed to the idea"?

"Influenced the idea" suggests a broader impact that may not have directly resulted in the idea's formation, while ""contributed to the idea"" implies a more direct and participatory role in developing the idea itself.