it was contributing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contributing to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the role or impact of something in a particular context, often in relation to a cause or effect. Example: "The new policy was contributing to a significant reduction in waste production within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

He suggested that it was contributing to a problem for the president's fund-raisers: supporters who think that the campaign does not need their money.

The New York Times

And Mr. Messina suggested that it was contributing to a problem for the president's fund-raisers — supporters who think that the campaign does not need their money.

The New York Times

Asked whether it accepted that the critical reports of Amnesty, HRW and other NGOs were accurate, it replied that it was contributing to education reform by providing access to "internationally renowned education and learning opportunities".

The Guardian

We felt that some of the people who were claiming to acknowledge the film were quite cynical in the way they were saying it was contributing to understanding problems of homelessness.

The Guardian

LOS ANGELES, May 4 — When Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, finished a speech on foreign policy recently in Northern California, he was surrounded by reporters who wanted to ask about another topic: global warming and how it was contributing to the state's water shortage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As if by reading it I was contributing to it.

The Guardian - Books

It's contributing to the pilfering of the plant community.

The New York Times

Isn't the chore odious enough without worrying if it is contributing to global warming?

The New York Times

"It is contributing to the destruction of our culture," said Mr. O'Reilly, who is one of the demonstrators occupying the club.

The New York Times

It's contributing to the growth of inequality, harming countless children, and weakening, perhaps fatally, our formerly strong middle class.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was contributing to", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what "it" refers to and what it is contributing to.

Common error

Avoid overstating the contribution. While "it was contributing to" implies an influence, it does not necessarily mean it was the sole or primary cause. Be mindful of other factors at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contributing to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something was a factor in bringing about a particular result or situation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to explain how one thing influences another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was contributing to" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something had an influence on a particular outcome. Ludwig AI identifies the grammatical status as correct and usable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. While it doesn't necessarily denote a primary cause, it highlights the role something played in influencing an event. When writing with "it was contributing to", ensure clarity in identifying what "it" refers to and what is being influenced, while remaining mindful of other potential causal factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a factor in

This alternative highlights that it was one of several influences.

it added to

This is a simpler and more general way of saying it increased or supplemented something.

it had an impact on

This alternative focuses on the effect or influence it had.

it aided in

This alternative uses "aided in" which suggests a helping or assisting role.

it influenced

This is a more direct and concise alternative, focusing on the act of influencing.

it played a part in

This alternative uses "played a part" which implies a less significant contribution compared to "contributing".

it furthered

This alternative suggests that it promoted or advanced something.

it helped to bring about

This phrase emphasizes the role of causing or creating a particular result.

it fostered

This alternative suggests that it helped to develop or encourage something.

it was instrumental in

This alternative suggests a more crucial or essential role than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was contributing to" in a sentence?

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

Is "it was contributing to" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was contributing to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language can influence the overall formality.

What's the difference between "it was contributing to" and "it caused"?

"It was contributing to" implies a partial influence, while "it caused" suggests a direct and primary effect. Contributing suggests being one of several factors, whereas causing indicates a more definitive action.

Can "it was contributing to" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "it was contributing to" is appropriate for academic writing. Ensure that the claim is supported by evidence and that the contribution is clearly explained.