have contributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have contributed to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss how different people or things were involved in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "Many researchers have contributed to the development of this new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Local politics have contributed to shortages.

The Economist

Several factors have contributed to this downturn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several factors have contributed to their decline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

theses that have contributed to the concept.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Several factors have contributed to the success.

The New York Times

Injuries have contributed to their recent troubles.

The New York Times

Thinktanks have contributed to this dysfunction.

The Guardian

Bush — the data have contributed to defeat.

The New Yorker

Several factors have contributed to this upturn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two issues have contributed to this difficulty.

Duke University

Some of these performances could have contributed to gynecological drawings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have contributed to", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what made the contribution. Be specific about the nature and extent of the contribution to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using overly general subjects with "have contributed to". Instead of saying "efforts have contributed to", specify whose efforts and what specific actions were involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have contributed to" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has played a role in bringing about a particular result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage. Examples show it connecting subjects to effects or developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have contributed to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that something or someone has played a role in causing a particular result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, this phrase is suitable for formal and neutral communication. While alternatives exist, such as "have played a role in" or "have been instrumental in", the key is to ensure clarity by specifying the subject and nature of the contribution. Avoiding vague subjects will further enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have played a role in

Focuses on the part someone or something had in an event, without specifying how significant.

have been instrumental in

Highlights a crucial contribution, suggesting the outcome heavily depended on it.

have aided in

Implies providing assistance or support toward a specific result.

have assisted with

Similar to 'aided in' but can suggest a more subordinate or supportive role.

have helped to advance

Suggests making progress or improving something.

have fostered

Emphasizes nurturing or promoting the growth of something.

have been a factor in

Indicates that something was one of several elements influencing an outcome.

have supported

Suggests providing backing or resources to achieve something.

have lent itself to

Shows how something was suitable or adaptable for a particular purpose or effect.

have given rise to

Emphasizes the creation or start of something due to the contribution.

FAQs

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

Use "have contributed to" to indicate that someone or something has played a part in bringing about a particular result or outcome. For example, "Many factors "have contributed to" the success of this project".

What are some alternatives to "have contributed to"?

You can use alternatives like "have played a role in", "have been instrumental in", or "have aided in" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "has contributed to" instead of "have contributed to"?

Yes, the correct form depends on the subject. Use "has contributed to" with singular subjects (e.g., "The new policy has contributed to the improvement"), and "have contributed to" with plural subjects (e.g., "Several factors "have contributed to" the problem").

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

"Have contributed to" means to have played a part in causing something, while "have resulted in" means to have directly caused something to happen. "Have contributed to" implies a partial or indirect influence, while "have resulted in" suggests a direct consequence.