it contributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contributed to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to explain how one thing has helped or influenced another thing. Here is an example: "The new policy of hiring more diverse staff members contributed to an increase in employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It contributed to the recent decline in oil prices.

Columbia University

It contributed to his downfall.

The Guardian

Hence it contributed to the improvement of tribological properties.

Wear

It contributed to a reshaping of national politics.

University of California, Berkeley

"We believe it contributed to the fire," the detective said.

The New York Times

It contributed to Rahman's removal and replacement by Abbas.

The Guardian

I think it contributed to me becoming more rebellious".

The New York Times - Books

It contributed to the Fed's decision to ease interest rates.

The New York Times

He said it contributed to a sudden downturn.

The New York Times - Sports

Eventually it contributed to the emergence of the catechetical schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One, Mee Hee Kim, said it contributed to her divorce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it contributed to", ensure that the connection between the subject and the result is clear and logical. Provide sufficient context so the reader understands how the contribution occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "it contributed to" without clearly explaining the nature of the contribution. If the relationship is not evident, the statement may sound weak or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contributed to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something had an influence or played a part in bringing about a particular result. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct expression. Many examples show "it contributed to" followed by a noun phrase describing the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it contributed to" serves as a versatile and common way to express causality, indicating that something had an influence on a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used across different writing styles. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most often in "News & Media" and "Science", making it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced relationships in a variety of contexts. Remembering to be clear about the nature of the contribution will help you leverage this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it played a role in

This alternative emphasizes the part something had in an event, suggesting a less significant impact than "contributed".

it was instrumental in

This indicates a crucial role, suggesting the outcome was highly dependent on it.

it was a factor in

This suggests it was one of several elements that influenced an outcome.

it had a hand in

This implies involvement or influence, often subtly or indirectly.

it helped bring about

This suggests it aided in causing or creating something.

it was conducive to

This indicates that it made a certain outcome more likely or easier.

it fostered

Implies nurturing or encouraging something to grow or develop.

it promoted

This indicates active support or encouragement, often for an idea or cause.

it furthered

This suggests advancing or helping something progress.

it had an impact on

This phrase emphasizes the effect something had, without specifying the nature of the influence.

FAQs

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

Use "it contributed to" to show that something played a part in bringing about a particular result. For example, "The increase in funding "it contributed to" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "it contributed to"?

Alternatives include "it played a role in", "it was instrumental in", or "it was a factor in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it contributed to" or "it caused"?

"It contributed to" suggests a partial influence, while "it caused" implies a direct and primary reason. The best choice depends on the accuracy of the relationship you want to describe.

Can "it contributed to" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "it contributed to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "it was conducive to".