# contribute to sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contribute-to-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to help cause something to happen or to give something, like money or ideas, to a group project.

For teachers: to be one of the causes of an event or result; to provide a portion of money, time, or effort toward a collective goal.

## Examples

- Smoking can contribute to serious health problems.
- Every member of the team must contribute to the final report to ensure its success.
- Several factors, including rising interest rates and low consumer confidence, contribute to the current economic downturn.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He contributed the project." but "He contributed to the project." — the preposition 'to' is necessary when describing the goal or result being helped.

## Usage notes

- the object is usually the result being caused or the project being supported.
- Teaching tip: highlight that 'contribute' is often followed by the preposition 'to'; it can describe both positive help and negative causes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.