make a substantial contribution to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a substantial contribution to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the impact or importance of someone's efforts or input in a particular area or project. Example: "Her research has made a substantial contribution to the field of environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

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

Journal of Cleaner Production

The process knowledge assets make a substantial contribution to the risk management (RM) for contractors in the construction phase.

Automation in Construction

Using Sterling will provide continuity and certainty for business and individuals, and an independent Scotland will make a substantial contribution to a Sterling Area.

The Guardian

Kevin Williams, chief executive of the Fostering Network, believes that expecting young people to make a substantial contribution to their care once they reach 18 is counter-productive.

The Guardian

A properly funded HE sector is vital if we are to continue to make a substantial contribution to the UK economy and to remain internationally competitive".

The Guardian

Our results reveal that such a coherent internal boundary can massively obstruct and even terminate dislocation transmission and thus make a substantial contribution to material strength.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a substantial contribution to" when you want to emphasize the importance and significance of someone's or something's impact on a specific area or outcome. For example, "Her research made a substantial contribution to understanding climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "make a substantial contribution to" when the actual contribution is minor or insignificant. Overusing this phrase can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a substantial contribution to" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of significantly adding value or impact to something. Ludwig confirms that it is commonly used to describe significant contributions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a substantial contribution to" is a commonly used phrase to express that someone or something has significantly added value or impact to a specific area or outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile. It is predominantly used in formal contexts, such as scientific and news publications, to emphasize the importance and positive effect of an action. When using the phrase, ensure that the contribution is truly significant to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "significantly contribute to" or "have a significant impact on" can be used for variety while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly contribute to

Replaces "substantial contribution" with the adverb "significantly", focusing on the degree of contribution.

have a significant impact on

Emphasizes the powerful effect or influence resulting from the contribution.

substantially improve

Focuses on the betterment or enhancement brought about by the contribution.

make a considerable impact on

Similar to "have a significant impact on", but uses "considerable" to modify "impact".

add significantly to

Highlights the addition or augmentation resulting from the contribution.

greatly enhance

Emphasizes the positive impact or improvement resulting from the contribution.

considerably advance

Highlights the progress or development facilitated by the contribution.

powerfully influence

Stresses the strength and effectiveness of the impact or influence.

play a major role in

Indicates a significant part or involvement in achieving a specific outcome.

lend significant weight to

Implies that the contribution adds importance or validity to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a substantial contribution to" to highlight a significant impact. For example, "His invention "made a substantial contribution to" the field of medicine".

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

Alternatives include "significantly contribute to", "greatly enhance", or "have a significant impact on", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "make a substantial contribution to" in formal writing?

Yes, "make a substantial contribution to" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic papers, reports, and professional documents to emphasize the importance of a particular contribution.

What is the difference between "make a substantial contribution to" and "make a minor contribution to"?

"Make a substantial contribution to" implies a significant and noticeable impact, while "make a minor contribution to" suggests a small and less impactful role. The former is used when the contribution is considerable, while the latter is used when the contribution is minimal.