useful contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a valuable or beneficial input or addition to a discussion, project, or field of study. Example: "Her research provided a useful contribution to the ongoing debate about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labour welcomed it as "useful contribution".

The Guardian

My most useful contribution was pouring the Champagne.

The New York Times - Style

This does not strike me as a useful contribution.

The New Yorker

This is a useful contribution to bioethics and related fields.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In any case, thank you for a useful contribution.

University of California, Berkeley

Electrical and electronic engineers are expected to make an efficient and useful contribution at work.

The Guardian - Money

And I think pointing that out has been a useful contribution.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, Errol Morris, for one, believes the old man still has a useful contribution to make.

The Guardian - Film

Yes, I still believe that nuclear power can make a useful contribution to low-carbon energy.

The Guardian - Opinion

That suggests Camden tenants may be making a useful contribution to IDS's housing benefit savings target.

The Guardian

The ethical consumer lobby makes a useful contribution to the debate here.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "useful contribution", ensure the context clearly indicates what the contribution is useful for. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "useful contribution" as a generic compliment without specifying what the contribution achieved or its particular benefit. Always provide context to highlight the specific value added.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful contribution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It identifies a specific instance of providing something of value or benefit, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful contribution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the value or benefit of an input. As shown by Ludwig, it appears commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, its use should be specific to maximize clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "valuable addition" or "helpful input" to fine-tune the message, and avoid generic use without context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable addition

Emphasizes the additive and beneficial nature of the contribution.

helpful input

Focuses on the supportive and practical aspect of the contribution.

significant impact

Highlights the importance and effect of the contribution.

positive influence

Stresses the beneficial and persuasive nature of the contribution.

constructive participation

Highlights the collaborative and building aspect of the contribution.

worthwhile effort

Emphasizes the value and dedication put into the contribution.

meaningful assistance

Highlights the relevance and support provided by the contribution.

practical benefit

Focuses on the real-world application and advantage of the contribution.

instrumental role

Highlights the key and crucial part played by the contribution.

effective support

Stresses the successful and aiding quality of the contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "useful contribution" in a sentence?

You can use "useful contribution" to describe someone's work, insights, or assistance that has had a positive effect. For example, "Her analysis provided a "useful contribution" to the debate." or "The volunteer's efforts were a "useful contribution" to the project's success."

What phrases are similar to "useful contribution"?

Similar phrases include "valuable addition", "helpful input", and "significant impact". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the contribution you want to emphasize.

Is "useful contribution" formal or informal?

"Useful contribution" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase that effectively conveys the value of someone's input, whether in academic writing, business reports, or casual conversation.

What's the difference between "useful contribution" and "helpful suggestion"?

"Useful contribution" generally refers to a more substantial or impactful input, while "helpful suggestion" describes a specific piece of advice or idea. A "helpful suggestion" can be a type of "useful contribution", but not all contributions are suggestions.