contributory to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contributory to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something plays a role in causing or contributing to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The lack of funding has been contributory to the project's delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The evidence they produced went before publication to the WHO and may have been contributory to the aspirational 5% limit that it included in its latest guidance.

The Guardian

You presumably learnt something from the period, and it will have been contributory to how you approached the later, more successful, period of your working life, so use it that way," says Gregory.

The Guardian

We suggest treating deformities that are significant and are believed contributory to patellofemoral alignment.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

This is believed to be a factor contributory to poor child health in Ghana.

Health Economics Review

Directional hydrogen bonds and snug fit of the ligands are implicated as contributory to the observed selectivities.

Carbohydrate Research

Measurement of the progress of society was thus by the development and exercise of powers contributory to the common good.

City, Territory and Architecture

It was so contributory to our success in fact, that when I left Logitech, I made the easiest decision of my life.

TechCrunch

The questionnaire neglected trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and secondary headaches, since these are infrequent and not significantly contributory to population headache burden.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

From all available defined sensors, we announced which of them are contributory to specific behavior and environment pattern recognition with brief description.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The investigations were contributory to patient management in 25.0% (12/48) of these cases and did not change management in the remaining 75.0% (36/48).

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

We aim to describe the generic themes contributory to this improvement in performance, which has led to progress not yet replicated elsewhere in the English-speaking world.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contributory to" when you want to emphasize that something is one of several factors that influenced an outcome, rather than the sole cause. For example, "Stress can be contributory to heart disease."

Common error

Avoid using "contributory to" when you mean "attributable to". "Contributory to" means something is one of several factors, while "attributable to" means something is the direct cause. For example, say "Poor diet was contributory to his health problems" rather than "Poor diet was attributable to his health problems" if other factors were involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contributory to" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something plays a part in bringing about a particular result. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contributory to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is one of several influencing factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and well-established, particularly within scientific and news contexts. When writing, remember that "contributory to" is best used when multiple factors are at play, distinguishing it from phrases like "responsible for", which implies direct causation. Understanding its nuanced meaning and proper usage will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing factor to

Changes the adjective to a noun phrase, emphasizing the 'factor' aspect.

played a part in

Uses a more conversational and less formal tone.

influential in

Focuses on the power or impact of the contribution.

was significant in

Emphasizes the importance or magnitude of the contribution.

instrumental in

Suggests a more crucial or essential role compared to simply contributing.

helped to bring about

Highlights the role in causing a particular outcome.

factor in

Shorter and more direct, implying something is considered as part of a whole.

was conducive to

Implies that something created favorable conditions for a particular result.

had a hand in

Informal expression indicating involvement or contribution.

added to

Simple and direct way of saying that something increased or enhanced something else.

FAQs

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

Use "contributory to" to show that something is one of several factors that contribute to a particular result. For example: "Lack of sleep can be "contributory to" decreased productivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "contributory to"?

You can use alternatives like "contributing factor to", "instrumental in", or "influential in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "contributory for" instead of "contributory to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "contributory" is "to". "Contributory for" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""contributory to"".

What's the difference between "contributory to" and "responsible for"?

"Contributory to" suggests that something is one of several factors, while "responsible for" indicates a direct cause or primary reason. "Contributory to" implies a partial influence, while "responsible for" indicates full accountability.