Contribute in a Sentence: A Comprehensive Guide

Definition of “Contribute”

The word “contribute” means to give or add something to a common goal, group effort, or cause. It typically involves collaboration or assistance. The term originates from the Latin word contribuere, which combines com (together) and tribuere (to assign).

Forms of “Contribute”

• Base Form: Contribute
• Past Tense: Contributed
• Past Participle: Contributed
• Present Participle: Contributing
• Third-Person Singular: Contributes

Sentence Structures Using “Contribute”

1. Simple Sentence:
   • Example: She contributes to the community by volunteering at the shelter.
2. Compound Sentence:
   • Example: He donated to the charity, and he also contributed his time to organize events.
3. Complex Sentence:
   • Example: Although she was busy, she contributed her skills to the project.
4. Interrogative Sentence:
   • Example: How can you contribute to solving this issue?
5. Imperative Sentence:
   • Example: Please contribute your ideas during the meeting.

Common Collocations with “Contribute”

• Contribute to a cause
• Contribute significantly
• Contribute ideas
• Contribute financially
• Contribute skills

Examples of “Contribute” in Sentences

1. His work contributed to the success of the company.
2. They contribute to environmental preservation by recycling.
3. This book has contributed greatly to the study of history.
4. How can students contribute to their school’s initiatives?
5. The scientist’s discovery contributed to our understanding of the universe.

Tips for Using “Contribute” in Sentences

1. Always ensure the subject contributing is clearly identified.
2. Follow “contribute” with a preposition like to or towards for accuracy.
3. Use synonyms such as “donate,” “offer,” or “support” to avoid repetition.

1. What is the meaning of “contribute”?

A) To criticize someone
B) To give or add something for a common purpose
C) To remove something from a group
D) To argue against a proposal

Answer: B) To give or add something for a common purpose

Explanation: “Contribute” emphasizes giving or adding something to achieve a larger goal.

2. Choose the correct sentence using “contribute.”

A) She contribute to the meeting yesterday.
B) They contributes ideas regularly.
C) He contributed his expertise to the research team.
D) I contributing to the charity event.

Answer: C) He contributed his expertise to the research team.

Explanation: The correct tense “contributed” matches the past action described.

3. What is the correct preposition to use with “contribute”?

A) For
B) To
C) At
D) With

Answer: B) To

Explanation: “Contribute” is typically followed by “to” when indicating a recipient or purpose.

4. Select the correct example of “contribute” in a compound sentence.

A) He contributes ideas.
B) She volunteered, and she also contributed funds to the event.
C) Although she was late, she contributed her notes.
D) Please contribute your time to the project.

Answer: B) She volunteered, and she also contributed funds to the event.

Explanation: A compound sentence connects two independent clauses using “and.”

5. What is the past participle form of “contribute”?

A) Contributen
B) Contributes
C) Contributed
D) Contributing

Answer: C) Contributed

Explanation: The past participle form of “contribute” is “contributed.”

6. Which of the following is a complex sentence using “contribute”?

A) Contribute your ideas!
B) She contributes to the environment by planting trees.
C) Because she values education, she contributed to the scholarship fund.
D) They will contribute next year.

Answer: C) Because she values education, she contributed to the scholarship fund.

Explanation: A complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.

7. Identify the subject in the sentence: “They contribute ideas to the discussion.”

A) Ideas
B) They
C) Discussion
D) Contribute

Answer: B) They

Explanation: “They” is the subject performing the action of contributing.

8. Which sentence demonstrates incorrect usage of “contribute”?

A) He contributed his time to the charity.
B) They contributes funds every month.
C) She contributes to the team regularly.
D) We are contributing ideas for the project.

Answer: B) They contributes funds every month.

Explanation: “Contributes” is incorrect for the plural subject “They.”

9. What synonym of “contribute” fits in the sentence: “The guest speaker ______ his expertise to the panel”?

A) Added
B) Removed
C) Diverted
D) Subtracted

Answer: A) Added

Explanation: “Added” can be a synonym for “contribute” in this context.

10. What is the root of the word “contribute”?

A) Latin: *comtribuere*
B) Greek: *contripos*
C) French: *contribuer*
D) Old English: *contribe*

Answer: A) Latin: *comtribuere*

Explanation: “Contribute” originates from the Latin word *comtribuere*, meaning to assign together.

1. Sentence Pattern – The topic directly involves understanding sentence structures.
2. Verbs As Complements – The verb “contribute” and its use as part of a sentence aligns with this.
3. Subject – Verb Agreement – Examples include subject-verb matching.
4. Prepositions – The use of “to” with “contribute” is relevant to this category.
5. Vocabulary – The article explores the meaning and usage of “contribute.”
6. Structure And Written Expression – This topic involves crafting well-structured sentences using “contribute.”