Seems substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Seems substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an opinion or observation about something that appears to be significant or considerable in size, amount, or importance. Example: "After reviewing the data, it seems substantial enough to warrant further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And Malcolm seems substantial: it's not a fly-by-night, suspicious name.

The Guardian - Books

What seems substantial in Brussels is likely to be judged less compelling elsewhere.

The Economist

Sometimes the progress seems substantial, other times more incremental.

TechCrunch

What I saw as a declaration of the obvious (RS Sis dead) continues to roil the conversation, but the damage to a longstanding friendship with Dave Winer seems substantial.

TechCrunch

He seems substantial enough, as well.

Huffington Post

The evidence of Clark's complicity in Le's death now seems substantial, if there was in fact a DNA match and if his card swipe and e-mails confirm his contact with her just prior to her disappearance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The rumors seemed substantial.

The New York Times

Even after the girl left, in clouds and drifts of white, nothing seemed substantial.

The New Yorker

All together, the seven strips of greenery hardly seem substantial enough to amount to a park.

The New York Times

The artisan's cut may not seem substantial, Mr. Shany said, but it is more than double previous monthly earnings.

The New York Times

The secretary pointed to a small bunch of tulips that, before coming to rest in this room, had seemed substantial.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems substantial", ensure the context provides a basis for the perception of significance, whether it's based on data, observation, or experience. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "seems substantial" when there is little or no objective evidence to support the claim. Overusing it without justification weakens its impact and can make your writing appear less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems substantial" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something gives the impression of being important, considerable, or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts. Its function is to convey a perception that requires backing evidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems substantial" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English for expressing an impression of significance or importance. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is best used when you have some basis for that perception. While not overly common, it appears in diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity and impact, consider alternatives like "appears considerable" or "looks significant". Avoid overusing the phrase without supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appears considerable

Focuses on the visual impression of being large or important.

Looks significant

Emphasizes the outward appearance of importance.

Sounds significant

Highlights the impression of importance through information received.

Feels significant

Focuses on the subjective experience of something being important.

Is apparently significant

Indicates that something is seemingly important based on available evidence.

Is ostensibly considerable

Highlights that something appears considerable from the outside or from a first look.

Exhibits magnitude

Emphasizes the scale or extent of something.

Presents considerable weight

Focuses on the importance or influence of something.

Carries appreciable weight

Highlights the perceived importance or influence.

Implies significance

Focuses on something suggesting importance without explicitly stating it.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems substantial" to describe something that appears significant or considerable. For example, "The evidence of progress "seems substantial" after the recent changes."

What can I say instead of "seems substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "appears considerable", "looks significant", or "sounds significant" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "seems substantial" in formal writing?

Yes, "seems substantial" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that expresses an observation or assessment based on available information. However, ensure that the observation is supported by evidence to maintain credibility.

What's the difference between "seems substantial" and "is substantial"?

"Seems substantial" indicates an appearance or impression of significance, whereas "is substantial" asserts that something is, in fact, significant. The former implies a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity, while the latter implies a more definite assessment.