contributing nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contributing nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that does not add any value or benefit. Example: "Despite their efforts, the team's discussions were contributing nothing to the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This provides additional evidence in favour of the involvement of BIS-anxiety in processing punishment risk contingencies: once the punishment was announced as a condition in some of the games, participants with higher levels of BIS-anxiety avoided contributing nothing (made no zero contributions on any trials of the remaining blocks).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

"I stand aloof," he declares, "contributing nothing except my example".

The New Yorker

"You can charge people for it, but you are contributing nothing to the happiness of humanity".

The New York Times - Tech

Without cost sharing, the insurer free rides on its beneficiary's efforts — taking the fruits while contributing nothing to the labor.

The New York Times

Her children all arose from unfertilized eggs and were therefore male drones, contributing nothing to the welfare of the colony.

The New Yorker

Once home to a department store, the partially paved lot had been vacant for decades, contributing nothing but parking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some even contributed nothing.

The New York Times

I, meanwhile, contribute nothing useful.

The New York Times

They contribute nothing to our economy.

The Guardian

'From the English point of view they contribute nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

I've contributed nothing; yet have somehow risked disfigurement, castration and death.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contributing nothing" to clearly and directly express a lack of positive impact or value in a specific context. It's effective when you want to highlight the absence of a beneficial contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "contributing nothing" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or diplomatic phrase might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "not significantly impacting" or "not substantially contributing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contributing nothing" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It is often used after a verb (e.g., 'is contributing', 'was contributing') to express a lack of positive contribution or value. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contributing nothing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a lack of positive impact or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific discussions. While its directness makes it useful for clear communication, writers should be mindful of the tone and audience, opting for more nuanced language in formal settings. Alternatives like "adding no value" or "providing no benefit" can soften the message when needed. Therefore, "contributing nothing" serves as a versatile phrase in expressing the absence of a beneficial contribution across a range of scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Adding no value

Focuses on the absence of positive effect or worth.

Providing no benefit

Highlights the lack of advantage or gain provided.

Offering no assistance

Emphasizes the absence of help or support.

Making no impact

Underscores the lack of influence or effect.

Yielding no results

Focuses on the absence of outcomes or achievements.

Producing nothing

Highlights the lack of output or creation.

Giving nothing back

Emphasizes the lack of reciprocity or return.

Not pitching in

Focuses on not participating or helping in a shared effort.

Remaining passive

Highlights the absence of active involvement or contribution.

Being unproductive

Emphasizes the lack of useful activity or output.

FAQs

How can I use "contributing nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "contributing nothing" to indicate a lack of positive impact or value. For example: "Despite their efforts, the discussions were "adding no value" to the project's progress."

What are some alternatives to "contributing nothing"?

Alternatives include "adding no value", "providing no benefit", or "making no impact", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "contributing nothing"?

It's appropriate when you want to directly state that something is not providing any positive input or benefit. However, consider the tone and audience, as it can sound critical.

Is "contributing nothing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "contributing nothing" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is commonly understood.