main contributor to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'main contributor to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an individual, group or event that was a significant cause or influence in producing a particular result. For example: "The main contributor to the company's success was its innovative approach to marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main contributor to more troops in Afghanistan was France.

The New York Times

I'm Pete, and I'm the main contributor to PeteHatesMusic.

The Guardian - Music

Myocardial infarction is the main contributor to heart failure.

Biomaterials

It agreed, too, to shift away from burning fossil fuels, the main contributor to global warming.

The Guardian

Sulfur dioxide is the main contributor to acid rain and fine particulate pollution.

The New York Times

The main contributor to the problem is that some masts have been converted for 4G signals.

The Guardian - Tech

VOCs are also a main contributor to smog, which is comprised largely of ground-level ozone.

Yale University

Until recently, icebergs discharged from glaciers were Greenland's main contributor to sea-level rise.

Columbia University

That sounds good, since carbon is the main contributor to climate change.

Yale University

The crystallographic texture was then considered to be the main contributor to the overall anisotropy.

Acta Materialia

Buildings are a main contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "main contributor to", ensure that you can substantiate the claim with evidence or data. It indicates a significant cause-and-effect relationship, so accuracy is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "main contributor to" when the element in question is just one of many factors with similar impact. Reserve the phrase for cases where the influence is clearly dominant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main contributor to" functions as a modifier phrase, typically used to identify the primary factor or cause responsible for a particular outcome or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main contributor to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the most significant factor influencing an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While authoritative, be careful not to overstate the impact of a factor when using this phrase, reserving it for scenarios where the influence is clearly dominant. Consider using alternatives like "primary factor in" or "key driver of" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary factor in

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

key driver of

Substitutes "contributor" with "driver", highlighting the force behind an outcome.

leading cause of

Focuses on causality, replacing "contributor" with "cause".

major influence on

Shifts from contribution to influence, indicating a strong effect.

principal source of

Emphasizes the origin or supply, rather than the contribution.

chief reason for

Highlights the rationale or justification for something.

foremost factor in

Adds emphasis on the factor's position or rank in importance.

central element of

Focuses on the core component or aspect.

dominant force behind

Stresses the power or control exerted.

biggest factor for

Highlights the size and importance of an element.

FAQs

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

Use "main contributor to" to highlight the primary factor that causes or influences a specific outcome. For example, "Increased screen time is the main contributor to eye strain".

What is a good alternative to "main contributor to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "primary factor in", "key driver of", or "leading cause of".

Is it more appropriate to say "main contributor of" or "main contributor to"?

"Main contributor to" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. It establishes a relationship or effect on something, while "main contributor of" is grammatically incorrect.

How do I determine if something is truly the "main contributor to" an outcome?

Assess the relative impact of different factors. If one factor consistently and significantly outweighs others in causing the outcome, it can be considered the "main contributor to".