key contributor to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key contributor to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that plays a significant role in achieving a particular outcome or success. Example: "Her innovative ideas were a key contributor to the project's overall success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, of course, its failures were identified as a key contributor to the London bombings.

The Guardian

In 1999-2000, Sykora was a key contributor to the Devils' second Stanley Cup championship.

The New York Times

She said the division would be a "key contributor to our future profitability".

The Guardian - Business

He's also a session guitarist and a key contributor to Scotland's indie scene.

The Guardian - Film

Its repeal was a key contributor to the calamities now gripping the banking system.

The New York Times

With financial services a key contributor to recent economic growth, this will hurt.

The Economist

"Joel Benenson was a key contributor to how we stack up against her message-wise," Grisolano said.

The New Yorker

Subtracting money from social interactions could be a key contributor to the spirit of generosity that permeates the atmosphere.

The Guardian

Nored was a key contributor to the Bulldogs' runs to the Final Four in 2010 and 2011.

The New York Times

Baidu is also a key contributor to ZF's ProAI.

TechCrunch

Uganda is a key contributor to the African Union mission fighting al-Shabab inside Somalia.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "key contributor to", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being contributed to. This provides clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "key contributor to" without specifying the exact nature of the contribution. Be precise about how the subject contributes to the outcome to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key contributor to" functions as a modifier + noun + preposition, highlighting something or someone that plays a crucial or significant role in achieving a specific result or outcome. It's used to emphasize the importance of the contribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key contributor to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to highlight a significant element contributing to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for use across various registers, including news, science, and general writing. Its frequency suggests its widespread acceptance and utility in emphasizing importance. While there are alternative phrases, the key is to maintain clarity and specify the nature of the contribution, as seen across the numerous examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant factor in

Replaces "contributor" with "factor", emphasizing the importance of the element.

major influence on

Shifts the focus to the impact or influence exerted.

essential element for

Highlights the necessity of the element for a specific outcome.

primary driver of

Emphasizes the role of the element as a driving force.

vital component of

Stresses the importance of the element as part of a larger whole.

leading cause of

Focuses on the element as a direct cause or reason for something.

instrumental in achieving

Highlights the element's role in accomplishing a specific goal.

played a crucial role in

Emphasizes the critical function of the element in a particular situation.

central to the success of

Positions the element as fundamental for achieving success.

significant in promoting

Focuses on the element's role in fostering or advancing something.

FAQs

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

Use "key contributor to" to highlight a significant factor or element that has a substantial impact on something. For example, "Innovation was a "key contributor to" the company's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "key contributor to"?

You can use alternatives like "significant factor in", "major influence on", or "essential element for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "key contributor for" instead of "key contributor to"?

While "key contributor" can be followed by other prepositions in different contexts, "to" is generally the correct preposition when indicating what is being contributed to. "Key contributor for" is less common and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "key contributor to" and "substantial contributor to"?

"Key contributor to" emphasizes the importance or criticality of the contribution, while "substantial contributor to" emphasizes the size or amount of the contribution. They are similar, but "key" implies more importance.