a number of substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple significant items, factors, or aspects in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The report highlighted a number of substantial changes that need to be implemented for better efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Even with the agreement, a number of substantial issues remain, Senator Sardar Latif Khosa, said.

The New York Times

Similarly, there are a number of substantial awards for study in the US.

The Guardian

Global dimming is thought to have had a number of substantial impacts.

The Guardian

Within those four little words, though, lie a number of substantial challenges.

The Economist

Administration officials acknowledge that, as one said, "there are obviously a number of substantial personalities on the team".

The New York Times

In an interview with Bloomberg he added: "You wouldn't know it from the media comment, but Dubai has a number of substantial businesses".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This position leaves us with a number of quite substantial problems.

Functional Linguistics

In a number of countries, substantial proportions of the elderly population received home care.

BMC Health Services Research

The selection contains fewer small-scale works and, over all, a larger number of substantial pieces.

The New York Times

"A greater number of substantial jobs demonstrates flexibility, versatility and adaptability.

BBC

A number of unauthorized outposts are also experiencing substantial growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a number of substantial" when you want to emphasize both the quantity and the significance of the items being discussed. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and can add weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial" to describe something that lacks material existence or factual basis, such as "a number of substantial rumors". "Substantial" suggests tangible or significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of substantial" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the presence of multiple items that are significant or considerable in nature. It highlights both the quantity and the importance of what is being described. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a number of substantial" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves to highlight both the quantity and the significance of the items being discussed. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its suitability for formal and objective writing. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives like "several significant" or "numerous considerable" exist, "a number of substantial" carries a unique emphasis on the magnitude and importance of the items at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several significant

Replaces "a number of" with "several", emphasizing a limited quantity while "significant" highlights importance instead of bulk.

Numerous considerable

Emphasizes a large quantity and importance, using stronger synonyms for both 'number' and 'substantial'.

A quantity of significant

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "substantial" with "significant".

Various notable

Indicates diversity among the items, with "notable" focusing on prominence or fame.

Multiple major

Suggests more than one, using 'major' to stress greater importance or impact.

Many important

Uses a simpler term "many" instead of "a number of" and "important" in place of "substantial".

A good deal of significant

Uses a more informal phrasing for "a number of" while keeping "significant" to show importance.

Plenty of meaningful

Suggests abundance and that the items have significance or purpose.

Considerable amount of significant

Shifts focus to the total amount, still stressing individual importance.

A host of major

Implies a large and impressive collection, emphasizing the importance of each item.

FAQs

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

You can use "a number of substantial" to describe multiple items that are significant or important. For example, "The project faced "a number of substantial challenges" before its completion".

What are some alternatives to "a number of substantial"?

Alternatives include "several significant", "numerous considerable", or "various notable", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it more appropriate to use "a number of significant" or "a number of substantial"?

While both are correct, "substantial" implies more weight or impact than "significant". Use "substantial" when emphasizing the magnitude or importance of the items.

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

"A large number of" simply indicates quantity, whereas "a number of substantial" highlights both quantity and the considerable nature or importance of the items being discussed. For example, "The company reported "a large number of sales"" versus "The company achieved "a number of substantial profits"".