make a contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

'make a contribution' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about making a contribution of any kind, whether it is of time, money, effort, etc. For example: "I'm proud to make a contribution to this important cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You make a contribution.' ".

The New York Times

To make a contribution.

The Guardian

"I felt I could make a contribution.

The New Yorker

"But they really did make a contribution".

The New York Times

Make a contribution to others.

Harvard Business Review

Make a contribution to a land trust.

The New York Times

How might it make a contribution today?

The New York Times

They want to make a contribution".

The Guardian

I can still make a contribution.

The New York Times - Sports

But does it make a contribution?

The Guardian - Arts

I'm here to make a contribution".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a contribution" when you want to emphasize the act of contributing something valuable, whether it's time, money, or effort. Be specific about what you are contributing to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "make a contribution" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "donate", "provide", or "support" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a contribution" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing something, whether tangible (like money or resources) or intangible (like time or effort), to benefit a cause or endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a contribution" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies providing assistance, support, or resources to a particular cause or endeavor. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic sources, indicating its broad relevance and acceptability. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Options such as "contribute" (for brevity) or "provide support" (for emphasis on aid) are viable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute

Shorter, more direct way of saying "make a contribution".

offer assistance

Focuses on providing help or support.

provide support

Emphasizes giving aid or resources.

lend a hand

Informal way of offering help.

play a part

Highlights involvement in a larger effort.

be instrumental

Stresses significant impact.

add value

Focuses on enhancing worth or quality.

do your part

Highlights individual responsibility.

pitch in

Informal term for contributing effort.

be of service

Formal way of offering help or assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "make a contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "make a contribution" to describe providing something beneficial, such as "I want to "make a contribution" to society" or "He decided to "make a contribution" to the charity".

What are some alternatives to "make a contribution"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contribute", "provide support", or "offer assistance".

Is it better to say "make a contribution" or simply "contribute"?

"Contribute" is more concise. "Make a contribution" emphasizes the action of giving something of value, offering a slightly different nuance, but both are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

What's the difference between "make a contribution" and "do your part"?

"Make a contribution" generally implies giving something tangible or intangible (like time or money), whereas "do your part" emphasizes fulfilling a responsibility or role within a group effort.