that contributed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that contributed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a factor or element that played a role in bringing about a certain outcome or result. Example: "The research findings highlighted several factors that contributed to the decline in bee populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So that contributed to it.

The New Yorker

There's a reasonable argument that that contributed to the crisis.

The New York Times

Mr. Ouroussoff correctly outlined the economic forces that contributed to the city's long-term decline.

The New York Times

Perhaps Congress should commission a study of its own failures that contributed to the terrorists' success.

The New York Times

She lists some of the factors that contributed to the mayhem.

The Guardian

"However, this was just one of many factors that contributed to our overall decision.

The Guardian

It was our tolerance of Arab autocracies that contributed to the madness in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Some of the changes will address conditions that contributed to the fire.

The New York Times

That would automatically raise taxes during recessions, a course that contributed to the Great Depression.

The New York Times

The hospital vowed to take steps to correct things that contributed to the error.

The New York Times

The injustices that contributed to Peltier's conviction are not subject to credible dispute.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "influenced" or "led to" for conciseness, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses using "that contributed to" within a single sentence. This can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read text. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that contributed to" functions as a causal connector, linking a cause or factor to a specific outcome or result. Ludwig shows its use across various domains, illustrating its role in explaining relationships between events, conditions, and consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that contributed to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate causation or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various writing contexts, but is especially prevalent in news and scientific domains. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Consider synonyms like "influenced" or "led to" for conciseness. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "that contributed to" to clarify causal relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that influenced

A more concise alternative emphasizing the power to affect something.

that was a factor in

Highlights the element as one of several influencing elements.

that played a part in

A more general alternative, indicating involvement without specifying the degree of impact.

that had an impact on

Focuses on the effect rather than the act of contributing.

that was instrumental in

Replaces "contributed to" with a stronger emphasis on the importance of the factor.

that led to

Indicates a direct causal relationship, suggesting a primary role.

that helped bring about

Highlights the role of assistance in achieving a result.

that was responsible for

Assigns accountability for the outcome.

that gave rise to

Emphasizes the emergence or creation of something as a result.

that fostered

Highlights the nurturing or development aspect of the contribution.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "that contributed to"?

You can use alternatives like "that influenced", "that led to", or "that played a part in" depending on the context.

How can I use "that contributed to" in a sentence?

Use "that contributed to" to connect a factor or cause to a particular result or outcome. For example: "Several factors "that contributed to" the project's success were identified".

Is it better to use "that contributed to" or "which contributed to"?

"That contributed to" is generally used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which contributed to" is used in non-restrictive clauses, providing additional but not essential information. Choose based on whether the clause is necessary to understand the sentence's core meaning.

What is the difference between "that contributed to" and "resulted in"?

"That contributed to" highlights a factor that played a role in an outcome, while "resulted in" emphasizes the outcome itself. You use "that contributed to" to discuss causes, and "resulted in" to discuss effects.