tributary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tributary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that one thing is providing a benefit or support to another. For example, "This company's rapid growth was tributary to the hard work of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CONS: This street is a heavily trafficked tributary to the Midtown Tunnel and can be noisy.

The New York Times

The Barnum Court site runs adjacent to Kohanza Brook, a tributary to the Still River.

The New York Times

Thereafter for more than 200 years Russia remained tributary to the Mongols of the Golden Horde.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They thus became loosely tributary to him for all their lands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

West of the Brahmaputra, the Subansiri is the only tributary to cross the main Himalayan ranges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It lies near the Gurara River, which is a tributary to the Niger River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It said the two most recent spills polluted at least two rivers, including a tributary to the Amazon river.

The Guardian

Revealing, if nothing else, of the need to connect one's own shallow tributary to the suddenly rushing stream of sentiment.

The New Yorker

Japan helped to finance a cleanup project in the Yamuna River, the largest tributary to the Ganges, in 1993.

The New York Times

It is situated on a tributary to the Godavari River, about 80 miles (130 km) northeast of Hyderabad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city has also expanded southward over the hillsides and along valleys tributary to the Guaire River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "contributing to" or "feeding into" if you want to avoid the potentially archaic or formal tone of "tributary to".

Common error

Avoid using "tributary to" when describing a relationship of equality or mutual influence. The phrase implies a flow of resources or support from one entity to another, not a reciprocal exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tributary to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship of contribution or dependence. It often describes how something smaller or less significant supports or flows into something larger or more important. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in geographical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

37%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tributary to" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a relationship of contribution or dependence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it commonly appears in contexts such as geography and history, it can also be used metaphorically. Usage is prevalent in encyclopedias, news, and science with varying degrees of formality, as well as contexts as varied as science, geography, and history. When using "tributary to", consider the formal register and the inherent hierarchical relationship it implies. Alternatives include "contributing to" or "feeding into", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing to

Focuses on the action of contributing rather than the relational aspect implied by "tributary to".

feeding into

Often used in the context of rivers or systems, suggesting a flow of influence or resources.

flowing into

Specifically denotes the physical act of water flowing into a larger body of water.

subsidiary to

Implies a more formal or hierarchical relationship, often used in business or organizational contexts.

auxiliary to

Suggests a helping or supporting role, often in a formal or technical context.

dependent on

Highlights the reliance of one entity on another, emphasizing the dependency relationship.

an adjunct of

Indicates something added or attached in a subordinate or auxiliary position.

related to

A more general term indicating a connection or association, less specific than "tributary to".

linked with

Emphasizes the connection between two entities, often suggesting a causal or sequential relationship.

connected to

A broad term indicating any form of connection, without specifying the nature of the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "tributary to" in a sentence?

The phrase "tributary to" is used to indicate that something contributes to or is subordinate to something else. For example, "The small stream is "tributary to" the larger river" or "His success was "tributary to" his hard work".

What are some synonyms for "tributary to" in the context of rivers?

In the context of rivers, synonyms for "tributary to" include "feeding into", "flowing into", or "emptying into". These phrases describe the physical relationship of a smaller stream joining a larger body of water.

Is it correct to use "tributary to" in a non-geographical sense?

Yes, "tributary to" can be used metaphorically to describe a contributing factor or influence. For example, you could say "Her success was "tributary to" her talent and dedication". However, be mindful of the formal tone.

What's the difference between "tributary to" and "contributing to"?

"Tributary to" often implies a more direct and hierarchical relationship, suggesting a flow of resources or support. "Contributing to" is a broader term that can refer to any form of contribution, whether direct or indirect, hierarchical or equal.