a more substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a more substantial' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe something that is bigger, more robust, or more comprehensive than something else. For example: "We need to come up with a more substantial solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A book needs a more substantial and substantiated theme than this.

The New York Times - Books

Now she's back, but in a more substantial role.

The New Yorker

A more substantial wrap can be made with jerk chicken.

The New York Times

There was, finally, a more substantial section on race relations.

The Guardian

For a more substantial salad, top with crispy bacon – delicious!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Orpheus might also have chosen a more substantial piece.

The New York Times - Arts

Today he will give a more substantial performance.

The Guardian

Shouldn't he have made a more substantial film?

The Guardian - Film

(A more substantial museum survey is long overdue).

The New York Times

Does a more expensive cocktail warrant a more substantial tip?

The New York Times

For a more substantial meal, serve with poached chicken or some simply cooked fish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more substantial" when you want to convey that something is not just larger, but also has more weight, significance, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a more substantial" when a simpler comparison is sufficient. For instance, instead of saying 'a more substantial increase', consider 'a larger increase' if the emphasis is solely on size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more substantial" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun it describes possesses a greater degree of the quality of being 'substantial' compared to something else. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts like "a more substantial film" or "a more substantial role."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a more substantial" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to highlight that something has increased in size, weight, or importance compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary purpose is to emphasize significance and impact, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in situations where simpler comparisons would suffice. By considering alternative phrases and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "a more substantial" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant

Emphasizes the importance or impact rather than the physical size or completeness.

a more considerable

Highlights the noteworthiness or amount of something, often in a quantitative sense.

a more extensive

Focuses on the breadth or scope of something, implying greater coverage or detail.

a more meaningful

Shifts the emphasis to the value and importance of something.

a greater

A more concise and general alternative, applicable when the context makes the meaning clear.

a more developed

Suggests a higher degree of progress, complexity, or maturity.

a more robust

Implies greater strength, durability, or resilience.

a more comprehensive

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of something.

a more profound

Highlights the depth and insightfulness of something.

a weightier

Emphasizes the importance and seriousness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a more substantial" to describe something that is larger, more significant, or more comprehensive than something else. For example, "We need "a more substantial plan" to address the issue."

What are some alternatives to "a more substantial"?

Some alternatives include "a more significant", "a more considerable", or "a more extensive", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a more substantial amount"?

Yes, it is correct. Using "a more substantial amount" implies a quantity that is not only larger but also significant in some way.

What's the difference between "a more substantial" and "a more substantive"?

"A more substantial" generally refers to something that is larger or more significant in quantity or size. "A more substantive" refers to something that has more content or importance in terms of its meaning or effect.