make a substantial contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a substantial contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the impact or importance of someone's input or effort in a particular context, such as a project, research, or community service. Example: "Her research made a substantial contribution to the field of environmental science, leading to new insights and solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Culture professionals can make a substantial contribution by becoming Beanstalk reading helpers.

The Guardian

Exports make a substantial contribution to the UK's balance of payments.

The Guardian

Think twice before naming a trustee who can't make a substantial contribution.

The New York Times

This could make a substantial contribution to eradicating malaria, combined with other tools such as insecticides".

The Guardian

"We understand we have to make a substantial contribution," one team executive said.

The New York Times

Operational rules, such as lowering speeds and reducing ship size, also can make a substantial contribution.

The Washington Post

Genetically modified (GM) crops can make a substantial contribution to this option of host-plant resistance.

Integrated Pest Management Current Concepts and Ecological Perspective

The principles are necessary but not sufficient to make a substantial contribution to design practice.

Applied Ergonomics

They are ready to make a substantial contribution to the world's electricity generation.

Renewable Energy

The improvement can make a substantial contribution toward simulating practical fluid flow problems using the lattice Boltzmann method.

Journal of Computational Physics

Deployment of efficient, integrated energy systems can make a substantial contribution to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a substantial contribution", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being contributed to and why it is significant. This enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the contribution. Use specific details to support claims of substantial impact, rather than relying on vague or unsubstantiated statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a substantial contribution" functions as a verb phrase used to express the act of providing a significant or important addition or impact. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a substantial contribution" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote providing a significant or important input. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is applicable across diverse contexts, notably in science, news, and formal business settings. Its frequent use and the availability of suitable alternatives like "provide a significant input" underscore its versatility. Remember to provide context for the contribution to maximize clarity and avoid overstating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute significantly

Emphasizes the extent of the contribution.

provide a significant input

Emphasizes the act of supplying or offering something important.

offer a meaningful contribution

Highlights the value and importance of the contribution.

play a key role

Focuses on the importance and influence of the role someone plays.

have a major impact

Stresses the significant effect or influence something has.

make a considerable difference

Highlights the extent to which something improves a situation.

add significant value

Focuses on the value that is brought to the situation.

provide a valuable service

Highlights the usefulness and importance of the service.

greatly enhance

Emphasizes the improvement or boost provided.

advance significantly

Focuses on the progress or advancement made.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a substantial contribution" to describe the significant impact someone or something has. For example, "Her research "made a substantial contribution" to the field of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "make a substantial contribution"?

Alternatives include "provide a significant input", "offer a meaningful contribution", or "play a key role" depending on the context.

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

"Make a substantial contribution" and "contribute significantly" are similar, but the former emphasizes the magnitude of the contribution, while the latter focuses on the act of contributing to a significant degree.

What does it mean to "make a substantial contribution"?

To "make a substantial contribution" means to provide a significant or important input, effort, or impact that noticeably enhances or improves a situation, project, or outcome.