it was contributing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contributing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing action or effect that was happening in the past, often in relation to a larger context or situation. Example: "During the meeting, it was contributing to a lively discussion about the project's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In late March, Mr. Basuki announced the temporary suspension of the three-in-one policy, running a week from last Tuesday, amid questions about its effectiveness — but chiefly, he said, because it was contributing to the exploitation of children.

The New York Times

It's been nearly four years since Ford announced that it was contributing the core code of its SYNC AppLink system to an open-source project.

Forbes

Last month, American's parent company, AMR Corporation, said that it was contributing just $6.5 million to the pension plans, far short of the $97 million contribution that it would need to make if it were outside bankruptcy.

The New York Times

It was contributing to it.

The Washington Post

He said it was contributing to a public sense that the families are asking for too much.

The New York Times

On the eve of the second anniversary in April, Benetton announced it was contributing $1.1m£740,00000) to the fund – the last major western fashion retailer to donate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was contributed by the renowned historian Mary Beth Norton, one of the founding members of the club.

Huffington Post

Traditional monotheism has indeed contributed to the growth of civilization, but not it is contributing to its downfall.

HuffPost

Although Picatinny is not financing the project, it is contributing use of its facilities and technical advice.

The New York Times

"This isn't sponging, it's contributing.

The Guardian

But, in reality, it's contributing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was contributing", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined and that the sentence provides context about what "it" was contributing to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was contributing" without clearly establishing what "it" refers to. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contributing" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something was actively involved in producing or causing a particular result in the past. It shows an ongoing action that had an impact. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was contributing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something played a role in a past event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for news articles, scientific reports, and general discussions. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure the subject "it" is well-defined. Alternatives include "it was a factor" or "it played a part", depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, showcasing its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a factor

Replaces 'contributing' with a more general term indicating influence.

it played a part

Uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate involvement.

it helped to

Focuses on the assistance provided rather than the contribution.

it added to

Highlights the additive effect of the action.

it aided in

Emphasizes the supportive role of the action.

it assisted with

Similar to 'aided in', but with a slightly different connotation.

it was instrumental in

Indicates a crucial role in achieving something.

it had a hand in

An informal way of saying it was involved.

it lent itself to

Suggests the action naturally supported the outcome.

it gave rise to

Focuses on the action as a cause or origin.

FAQs

What does "it was contributing" mean?

The phrase "it was contributing" means that something was playing a part in causing or achieving a particular result. It suggests an ongoing action that had a positive or influential effect.

How can I use "it was contributing" in a sentence?

You can use "it was contributing" to describe how something added to an outcome. For example, "The new policy was contributing to the company's increased profits."

What can I say instead of "it was contributing"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a factor", "it played a part", or "it helped to" depending on the context.

Is "it is contributing" or "it was contributing" more appropriate?

"It is contributing" describes a current or ongoing action, while "it was contributing" describes an action that occurred in the past. The choice depends on the timeframe you're referencing.