key contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight an important or significant input or addition to a project, discussion, or field of study. Example: "Her research provided a key contribution to our understanding of climate change impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bigs have made key contribution.

The Economist

Piketty's second key contribution was more theoretical.

The New Yorker

And that may be Omidyar's key contribution – besides his cash.

The Guardian

To silence the key contribution of anthropology to promoting it is perverse on any view".

The Guardian

And this is the key contribution Brown is making to the no campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Working with business and modernising provision will make a key contribution to reversing the decline.

The Guardian

The "key contribution" of the War on Poverty, he wrote, was "the deliberate attempt to uncouple welfare from shame".

The New York Times

His key contribution in steel was to cut a deal with the United Steelworkers of America, the industry's powerful union.

The Economist

Meloy's key contribution is a deftly deployed allegorical undercurrent hinting at the complexity of real-world political struggles: dictatorship and ethnic slaughter, diplomacy and revolution.

The New Yorker

The biggest danger of this approach is the likely loss of London's role as the global financial centre despite its key contribution to Britain's economic growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our key contribution to the UK economy and our national research and innovation ecosystem must be part of the informed debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key contribution", ensure it is followed by a specific description of what was contributed and its impact. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "key contribution" when the contribution is minor or insignificant. Ensure the contribution genuinely has a substantial impact on the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key contribution" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something significant or essential. It is typically used to highlight the importance of a specific element or action. Ludwig confirms this phrase is appropriate for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key contribution" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively highlights the importance of a specific element or action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to science and business. To maximize its impact, always follow "key contribution" with a clear description of what was contributed and its significance while avoiding overstating the importance of the contribution. Using alternatives like "significant input" or "major impact" can add nuance, where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant input

Focuses on the act of providing something important, rather than the result or impact of that input.

Major impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence something has, rather than the contribution itself.

Essential element

Highlights the necessity of something, shifting the focus from the act of contributing to its importance.

Crucial factor

Indicates a decisive element, slightly more focused on decision-making contexts.

Vital role

Stresses the function or part someone or something plays, rather than the contribution made.

Principal component

More formal and technical, suitable for scientific or analytical contexts.

Primary aspect

Focuses on a particular feature or part that is most important.

Central feature

Highlights a prominent characteristic, slightly different from the idea of making a contribution.

Cornerstone

Emphasizes foundational importance, often used metaphorically.

Integral part

Stresses the necessity of something being included to complete the whole.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key contribution" in a sentence?

Use "key contribution" to highlight a significant element or action that led to a particular outcome. For instance, "Her research provided a "key contribution" to our understanding of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "key contribution"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant input", "major impact", or "essential element" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey. For example, the alternative "significant input" is usually interchangeable.

Is it appropriate to use "key contribution" in formal writing?

Yes, "key contribution" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, business, and professional contexts to denote a significant contribution.

What's the difference between "key contribution" and "minor contribution"?

"Key contribution" denotes a significant and impactful contribution, whereas "minor contribution" implies a small or less significant impact. A "key contribution" is crucial to the outcome, while a minor one has a limited effect.