is a key contributor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a key contributor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that plays an important role in achieving a goal or outcome. Example: "In our project, Sarah is a key contributor to the success of the team, providing valuable insights and expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thomas is not a star in the National Football League, but he is a key contributor.

The New York Times - Sports

"Working with offenders is a key contributor to the college's mission of 'raising aspirations, expectations and achievements to enable economic success and social inclusion'," the spokesman said.

The Guardian

Closer to NATO's borders, it is a key contributor to the international coalition against ISIL, which is taking the fight into Syria and Iraq.

The New Yorker

Neither Oliver nor Xander is considered a scorer — Oliver averages 6.8 points a game, Xander 6.2 — but each is a key contributor on his team.

The New York Times - Sports

Dimethyl trisulfide (CH3SSSCH3), detectable at levels as low as 0.1 part per billion, is a key contributor to the flavour of beer, wine, whiskey, and various food products.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Iona is a key contributor to the success of the business and has learned product, methodology and industry, grown in confidence and combined this with her inherent business acumen.

The Guardian

Preserving the trees now under threat from oil production would have helped to curb climate change, since forests are a major carbon sink, absorbing the carbon dioxide that most scientists agree is a key contributor to global warming.

Independent

The 92-page paper says: "Daily drinking is a key contributor to increased risk, so it is possible that promoting a simple approach such as never drinking two days in a row would have a positive impact".

Independent

Innovation is a key contributor in achieving sustainable transportation.

European Transport Research Review

Ruthenium metal is a key contributor in the synthesis of such complexes.

Chemistry Central Journal

Uganda is a key contributor to the African Union mission fighting al-Shabab inside Somalia.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a key contributor", ensure that the contribution is clearly defined and its impact is evident within the context. Avoid vague statements; provide specific details to strengthen the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is a key contributor" when the actual contribution is minor or insignificant. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Use more specific terms to be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a key contributor" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies a significant participant or element. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively describes someone or something that plays an important role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a key contributor" is a versatile and widely used expression for emphasizing the significant role of someone or something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including scientific publications, news articles, and business communications. While suitable for formal and informal use, it's essential to ensure the described contribution is indeed substantial and well-defined. Alternatives such as "plays a vital role" or "is an essential component" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overstating the importance of a contribution, maintaining accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plays a vital role

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the role.

is an essential component

Highlights the integral nature of the contribution.

is instrumental in

Focuses on the effectiveness and influence of the contribution.

is a significant factor

Indicates the importance and weight of the contribution.

makes a substantial impact

Highlights the tangible effects of the contribution.

is a major player

Emphasizes the active and influential role in a particular field.

is crucial to

Highlights the decisive and critical importance of something.

is central to

Highlights that something is at the heart of the matter or situation.

is a driving force

Emphasizes the role as a catalyst or motivator.

is fundamental to

Highlights the foundational nature of the contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "is a key contributor" in a sentence?

Use "is a key contributor" to highlight someone or something that plays a significant role in achieving a particular outcome. For instance, "Effective communication "is a key contributor" to successful teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "is a key contributor"?

Alternatives include "plays a vital role", "is an essential component", or "is instrumental in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more effective to say "is a key contributor" or "contributes significantly"?

"Is a key contributor" emphasizes the overall importance, whereas "contributes significantly" highlights the degree of contribution. Both are valid, but the former is stronger if you want to emphasize the pivotal role of the subject.

Can I use "is a key contributor" in formal writing?

Yes, "is a key contributor" is suitable for formal writing, as it's a professional and widely accepted phrase. However, ensure the contribution is substantial and well-defined to maintain credibility. Consider more formal synonyms such as "is fundamental to".