This paper contributes to
Academic essay writing expression
Use this phrase to confidently define the unique value your academic work adds to a specific field.
In 15 Sekunden
- Explains the specific value your writing adds to a topic.
- Used primarily in academic essays, research, and formal reports.
- Signals that you are joining a professional or scholarly conversation.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to explain how your writing adds new information or a fresh perspective to a specific topic. It’s like saying, 'Hey, I’m adding my own piece to this big puzzle of knowledge.'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Writing a university history essay
This paper contributes to the debate on the industrial revolution by focusing on textile workers.
This paper contributes to the debate on the industrial revolution by focusing on textile workers.
A PhD student explaining their thesis
Ultimately, this paper contributes to our understanding of marine biology in the Arctic.
Ultimately, this paper contributes to our understanding of marine biology in the Arctic.
A business analyst presenting a report
This paper contributes to the company's strategy by identifying three new market trends.
This paper contributes to the company's strategy by identifying three new market trends.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase is a cornerstone of the 'publish or perish' culture in global academia. It signals that the author understands the existing 'gap' in knowledge and is actively trying to fill it. It reflects a Western educational value where individual contribution and critical thinking are prioritized over simple memorization.
Be Specific
Don't just say it 'contributes.' Use the word 'by' immediately after to explain *how* it contributes. It makes you sound much more authoritative.
Don't Overpromise
Avoid saying your paper 'solves' a global crisis unless it actually does. 'Contributes to' is safer because it implies you are part of a larger effort.
In 15 Sekunden
- Explains the specific value your writing adds to a topic.
- Used primarily in academic essays, research, and formal reports.
- Signals that you are joining a professional or scholarly conversation.
What It Means
Think of every academic subject as a giant, never-ending conversation. When you write an essay, you aren't just summarizing things. You are joining that conversation! Using This paper contributes to is your way of pulling up a chair and saying something meaningful. It tells your reader exactly what value your work provides. You aren't just writing for a grade; you're adding something new to the world of ideas.
How To Use It
You usually find this phrase in the introduction or the conclusion of an essay. The structure is simple: This paper contributes to [a specific field or debate] by [explaining what you did]. For example, you might say, This paper contributes to the study of history by looking at letters from ordinary soldiers. It’s a bold statement, so you need to be specific about what your 'contribution' actually is. Don't be shy—own your work!
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for university assignments, research papers, or professional reports. If you are trying to convince a professor or a boss that your work matters, this is the magic key. It’s perfect for the 'literature review' section where you explain how your work fits in with what other people have already written. It makes you sound like a serious researcher who knows their stuff.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual settings. If you’re writing a quick email to a friend about your weekend, saying This email contributes to our friendship sounds incredibly stiff and weird. It’s also a bit much for a simple creative writing piece or a personal diary entry. If the goal isn't to 'add to knowledge,' then this phrase is probably too heavy for the occasion. Keep it for the library, not the coffee shop.
Cultural Background
In Western academic culture, there is a huge emphasis on 'originality.' Professors don't just want to see that you read the book; they want to see what *you* think. This phrase became a standard because it helps writers clearly claim their 'intellectual property.' It’s part of a tradition called 'standing on the shoulders of giants,' where you acknowledge previous work while showing how you are moving the ball forward just a little bit more.
Common Variations
You don't have to use the exact same words every time. You can say This study adds to, which sounds a bit more scientific. Or try This research sheds light on, which is great if you're explaining something confusing. If you want to be even more formal, use This work advances the discourse on. All of these do the same job: they show that your writing has a real purpose and a place in the world.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-formality expression. It is almost exclusively found in written English, specifically in academic or high-level professional contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal emails.
Be Specific
Don't just say it 'contributes.' Use the word 'by' immediately after to explain *how* it contributes. It makes you sound much more authoritative.
Don't Overpromise
Avoid saying your paper 'solves' a global crisis unless it actually does. 'Contributes to' is safer because it implies you are part of a larger effort.
The 'Gap' Secret
In English academic culture, you usually have to find a 'gap' (something no one has talked about yet) before you can say your paper 'contributes' to the field.
Beispiele
6This paper contributes to the debate on the industrial revolution by focusing on textile workers.
This paper contributes to the debate on the industrial revolution by focusing on textile workers.
Here, the writer identifies a specific 'gap' (textile workers) they are addressing.
Ultimately, this paper contributes to our understanding of marine biology in the Arctic.
Ultimately, this paper contributes to our understanding of marine biology in the Arctic.
Used in a conclusion to summarize the overall impact of the work.
This paper contributes to the company's strategy by identifying three new market trends.
This paper contributes to the company's strategy by identifying three new market trends.
Adapts the academic phrase for a high-level corporate environment.
I think this paper contributes to the recycling bin more than it does to science.
I think this paper contributes to the recycling bin more than it does to science.
A self-deprecating joke using the formal structure for humor.
This paper contributes to the legacy of Professor Smith by continuing his work on ethics.
This paper contributes to the legacy of Professor Smith by continuing his work on ethics.
Uses the phrase to show respect and emotional connection to a mentor.
Does this section actually contribute to the main argument, or is it just fluff?
Does this section actually contribute to the main argument, or is it just fluff?
A slightly less formal use of 'contribute' in a collaborative setting.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the academic claim.
This paper ___ to the field of psychology by examining the effects of social media on sleep.
`Contributes` is the standard academic verb used with 'to the field' to show scholarly value.
Complete the sentence structure commonly used in conclusions.
By analyzing these results, this paper contributes to a better ___ of urban planning.
`Understanding` is the most common noun to follow 'contributes to a better...' in formal writing.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Contributes To'
Talking to friends about a hobby.
This helps out with...
A workplace email or a blog post.
This adds some value to...
A university essay or research paper.
This paper contributes to...
A published scientific journal article.
This treatise contributes significantly to the discourse...
Where to use 'This paper contributes to'
Thesis Defense
Explaining your research value to a committee.
Grant Application
Asking for funding for a new study.
Academic Journal
The opening paragraph of a published article.
Corporate Whitepaper
A formal report for industry leaders.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, absolutely! This essay contributes to is very common for undergraduate students, while This paper is more common for research articles.
It depends on your professor. Some prefer the objective This paper contributes to, while others like the personal In this paper, I contribute to.
Not at all. It is used in literature, history, art, business, and any field where formal writing is required.
If it's just a summary, you might say This paper contributes to a clearer overview of... rather than claiming you found something brand new.
Yes, much better! Is about just describes the topic, but contributes to describes the *purpose* and *value* of your writing.
You could, if you're talking about a report you wrote. For example: That report contributes to our understanding of client needs.
No, it's actually expected! In English academic writing, being clear about your work's value is seen as helpful, not boastful.
The most common mistake is being too vague, like saying This paper contributes to the world. Always narrow it down to a specific topic.
Usually, it's best at the end of the introduction or the start of the conclusion where it acts as a 'big picture' statement.
For shorter assignments, you might say This analysis contributes to... or This brief report adds to...
Verwandte Redewendungen
adds to the body of knowledge
A very formal way to say your work provides new information to a field.
sheds light on
Used when your writing makes a difficult or confusing topic easier to understand.
bridges the gap
Used when your work connects two different ideas that weren't connected before.
advances the discourse
A high-level way to say you are moving a professional conversation forward.
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen