make a contribution
/meɪk ə ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən/
Meaning
To do or write something that helps a field of study, a discussion, or a project advance. In academic contexts, it usually refers to adding new knowledge, research, or ideas to an existing body of work. It is highly formal and carries a positive, constructive tone.
Examples
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Her research on renewable energy will make a significant contribution to the field of environmental science.
Her research on renewable energy will make a significant contribution to the field of environmental science.
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Every student is expected to make a contribution to the seminar discussions.
Every student is expected to make a contribution to the seminar discussions.
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The newly discovered documents make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the treaty.
The newly discovered documents make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the treaty.
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Dr. Aris hopes to make a contribution to cancer research through this clinical trial.
Dr. Aris hopes to make a contribution to cancer research through this clinical trial.
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We want to thank all the authors who made a contribution to this special issue of the journal.
We want to thank all the authors who made a contribution to this special issue of the journal.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She did a great contribution to the project.
✓ She made a great contribution to the project.
The noun 'contribution' collocates with the verb 'make', not 'do'.
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✗ His paper makes a contribution on the history of art.
✓ His paper makes a contribution to the history of art.
Use the preposition 'to' after 'contribution' when specifying the field, topic, or recipient receiving the value.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The guest speaker's presentation will certainly ___ to the ongoing debate.
💡 Use the base form of the verb.
Show answer
make a contribution
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Many young researchers struggle to ___ to their chosen fields early in their careers.
💡 Think of the verb that collocates with 'contribution'.
Show answer
make a contribution