A substantial number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A substantial number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant quantity or amount of something, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "A substantial number of participants reported an increase in satisfaction after the program was implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A substantial number were subsequently lost.

The New York Times - Arts

A substantial number are found homes.

The Guardian - Sport

A substantial number of fatalities occurred in businesses.

The New York Times

"A substantial number of people were saying, 'Where is God in this?' " SUSAN STELLIN.

The New York Times

A substantial number of those were among the unvaccinated Amish communities in Ohio.

The Guardian

A substantial number of apps have been hacked, new research shows.

The Guardian - Tech

A substantial number, including top dealmakers, moved to boutique firms, with some hanging their own shingle.

The New York Times

A substantial number – 367,936 – of OK!'s sales were not at full rate.

The Guardian

A substantial number of the characters we are introduced to have since died.

The Guardian - Books

A substantial number of bioaccumulation fish tests are conducted regularly.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A substantial number have been built over.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial number" when you want to emphasize that the quantity is significant and noteworthy. It's more formal than "a lot" but less technical than "a statistically significant amount".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial number" in contexts where simpler phrasing like "many" or "a lot" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial number" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a considerable quantity. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial number" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various writing styles. While largely interchangeable with phrases like "a significant quantity" or "a considerable amount", "substantial" often conveys a sense of greater magnitude. It is most common in news, scientific, and business contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. Avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler terms like "many" would be more appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to add clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than the count.

a considerable amount

Uses "considerable" instead of "substantial", conveying a similar meaning but with a slightly different tone.

a large proportion

Focuses on the ratio or percentage, suitable when discussing parts of a whole.

a good many

An idiomatic alternative that is less formal than "a substantial number".

numerous instances

Replaces "number" with "instances", suitable when referring to occurrences or examples.

a sizable contingent

More appropriate when referring to a group of people.

an appreciable quantity

Uses "appreciable" to highlight that the quantity is easily noticed or measured.

a hefty percentage

More forceful, suggests the percentage is unexpectedly high.

a major segment

Better used when talking about divisions or parts of something bigger.

a flood of

Suggests a sudden and abundant influx, typically used with events or items that arrive rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial number" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial number" to indicate that a quantity or amount is significant. For example, "A substantial number of students reported feeling stressed during exams".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial number"?

Alternatives include "a significant quantity", "a considerable amount", or "a large proportion", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a substantial number" or "many"?

"A substantial number" is more formal and emphasizes the significance of the quantity. "Many" is simpler and more general. The best choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "a substantial number" and "a significant number"?

While both phrases indicate a notable quantity, "a substantial number" often implies a greater magnitude or importance than "a significant number". They are largely interchangeable, but "substantial" can suggest something more concrete or impactful.