makes a contribution to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes a contribution to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of providing something valuable or beneficial to a particular cause, project, or field. Example: "Her research makes a contribution to the understanding of climate change and its effects on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The crux is that the line between what makes a contribution to a song and what makes a contribution to a recording is becoming increasingly blurred.

The Guardian - Music

These placements must be for work which "makes a contribution to the community".

The Guardian

If the taxpayer makes a contribution to a charity but owes no income tax, the deduction is completely lost.

The New York Times

Photograph: Olivia Owen/Guardian Australia Photograph: Olivia Owen/UN Women Matthew Galuvakadua makes a contribution to the Fiji awareness campaign.

The Guardian

Taiwan plays the role of responsible strategic partner and makes a contribution to regional peace in line with American interests.

The New York Times

The theory also makes a contribution to the problem of rational choice in situations involving waiting or maturing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's a sector that makes a contribution to the economy and has the potential to be a much greater export business as well.

The Guardian - Arts

In exchange for having first rights to transfer a Donmar show to Broadway, she makes a contribution to the theater's budget.

The New York Times

What was merely private has become an integral and manifest part of the body politic; my love for my husband makes a contribution to the commonweal.

The Guardian

If a businessman makes a contribution to an issues campaign favored by a governor, and that governor later appoints him to a hospital board, is the governor guilty?

The New York Times

The government makes a contribution to each account (at a total cost of $1.5 billion a year) because otherwise many pensions would be too low to live on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "makes a contribution to", ensure that the subject clearly provides something valuable or beneficial. Be specific about the nature of the contribution for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "makes a contribution to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "helps with" or "adds to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes a contribution to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing something beneficial or valuable. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes a contribution to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote providing something valuable or beneficial. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While highly versatile, it's advisable to consider the context; in more informal settings, simpler alternatives such as "adds to" or "helps with" might be more appropriate. It appears across various sources, including science, news and media, and formal business, showcasing its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributes to

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "makes a contribution" with the single word "contributes".

adds to

This alternative offers a more concise way of expressing the idea of enhancing or improving something.

helps with

This alternative is less formal and focuses on providing aid or assistance.

supports

This alternative highlights the act of providing backing or encouragement.

plays a part in

This alternative emphasizes the role or involvement in a particular outcome.

is instrumental in

This alternative emphasizes a crucial role in something.

aids in

This alternative is slightly more formal than "helps with" but conveys the same meaning of providing assistance.

enhances

This alternative suggests improving the quality or value of something.

furthers

This alternative indicates advancing or promoting something.

boosts

This alternative indicates increasing or improving something.

FAQs

How can I use "makes a contribution to" in a sentence?

Use "makes a contribution to" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is providing something valuable or beneficial to a particular cause, project, or field. For example: "Her research makes a contribution to the understanding of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "makes a contribution to"?

You can use alternatives like "contributes to", "adds to", or "helps with" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "contributes to" or "makes a contribution to"?

Both "contributes to" and "makes a contribution to" are correct. "Contributes to" is more concise, while "makes a contribution to" can emphasize the act of contributing. Choose the option that best fits the tone and flow of your writing.

In what context is it appropriate to use the phrase "makes a contribution to"?

This phrase is suitable in formal writing, academic papers, reports, and professional communication where you want to express that something is providing assistance, value, or improvement. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferred.