key contribution to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key contribution to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight an important or significant input or role in a particular context, such as a project, research, or discussion. Example: "Her research made a key contribution to the understanding of climate change impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

David Docherty, chief executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business, says: "Working with business and modernising provision will make a key contribution to reversing the decline".

The Guardian

Case study: Don Hutchison Another to make a key contribution to training Scotland, not for the first or last time, were short of strikers.

Independent

Come hell, high water or an even more spectacularly tanking economy, they will be our key contribution to the global news cycle of 2013.

Independent

The Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Mid-Kent College and Canterbury Christ Church University College have a key contribution to make in assisting Medway to achieve its full potential".

The Guardian

Gayle said: "I am delighted to be heading to Somerset this summer; they are a great club and hopefully I can make a key contribution to their T20 campaign this year".

The Guardian - Sport

Alice made a key contribution to the board as the chair of the compensation committee and as a longtime member of the education committee, including a term as its vice chair.

The New York Times

Justice minister David Hanson defended the review saying: "Lord Carter's report was a key contribution to this vital public debate and the government is grateful to him for the contribution he has made".

The Guardian

His Economic Policy As If People Mattered paper made a key contribution to The Other Economic Summit (Toes) conference, set up as an alternative to that year's G7 conference in London.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key contribution to", ensure the context clearly establishes what the contribution is and what it affects. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of the contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "key contribution to" for minor or insignificant actions. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly vital inputs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key contribution to" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It highlights the significance or importance of a specific contribution in relation to a broader context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key contribution to" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the significant impact of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral-to-formal register. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the contribution and its effects to avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives like "major factor in" or "significant element of" can be used for variety, but "key contribution to" effectively highlights crucial inputs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major factor in

Replaces "contribution" with "factor", emphasizing influence rather than direct input.

significant element of

Substitutes "contribution" with "element", highlighting importance within a larger whole.

vital component of

Uses "component" instead of "contribution", focusing on essential parts.

essential part of

Replaces contribution with part, highlighting a portion inside a whole.

important role in

Emphasizes the "role" someone or something plays, rather than the contribution made.

crucial to

Highlights the importance using "crucial", implying a critical necessity.

instrumental in

Indicates the influence of a person or a thing to achieve a result.

played a key role in

Similar meaning, rephrased to emphasize the action of "playing a role".

made a significant impact on

Focuses on the "impact" rather than the direct contribution.

primary driver of

Changes the focus to what is driving or causing something.

FAQs

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

Use "key contribution to" to highlight a significant factor or action that greatly influences the result or success of something. For example: "Her research was a "key contribution to" the development of the new vaccine".

What are some alternatives to "key contribution to"?

You can use alternatives like "major factor in", "significant element of", or "important role in" depending on the context.

How does "key contribution to" differ from "minor contribution to"?

"Key contribution to" emphasizes a substantial and significant impact, while "minor contribution to" indicates a smaller, less influential role. The former is crucial, the latter is secondary.

Is it correct to say "a key contribution for" instead of "a key contribution to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "key contribution" is "to". Saying "a key contribution for" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "a "key contribution to"".