a substantial answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an answer that is significant, meaningful, or provides a lot of information. Example: "In response to the complex question, the expert provided a substantial answer that addressed all the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of Blendle: its marketplace model could end up shaping content — and if it's penalizing clickbait and promoting "quality" reportage it could offer a substantial answer to the 'race to the bottom' ad-supported media content model that currently predominates in many markets.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

May seems to have been focusing more and more on social care in recent weeks and, whereas she gave the subject a brush-off answer just a few weeks ago, on Wednesday she had a reasonably substantial answer about the government's short-, medium- and long-term plans.

The Guardian

Only with continued surveillance of susceptibility patterns and a larger sample size of isolates will provide a more substantial answer to the issue of resistance of H. pylori in the Philippines.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

We don't think it makes sense and ultimately I don't think it's one that either Ofcom or indeed Stephen Carter... will recommend as a permanent substantial answer to the funding deficit we face for public service broadcasting".

The Guardian

But a more substantial answer is available.

SEP

They get into exam room and for consideration (usually quite substantial) answer hard questions for the students.

The New Yorker

A substantial majority answered, "My coach".

Huffington Post

She gave them few substantial answers, saying she was still studying many issues because she had been in office for just eight days.

The New York Times

Would it be a drop in the bucket, or a substantial cut?" The answer, she said, was definitely the latter.

The New York Times

While the iBT was entirely dependent upon selected response items, the GEPT-A included a substantial proportion of short answer items, with only about a third of the items using traditional multiple choice.

Language Testing in Asia

The very nature of his verse may provide a substantial part of the answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial answer" when you want to emphasize that the response provided is not superficial but rather detailed and well-considered. It implies that the answer holds significant weight or provides considerable insight into the matter at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial answer" merely as a filler phrase. Ensure that the context warrants the use of "substantial", indicating that the answer truly provides depth, insight, or significant information. If the answer is simple or brief, a different descriptor would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "answer". It indicates the quality or nature of the answer, suggesting it is significant and well-developed, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial answer" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to describe a response that is thorough, detailed, and significant. Ludwig's analysis, supported by diverse examples, indicates that while the phrase isn't extremely common, it is appropriately used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. Related phrases, such as "a comprehensive response" and "a thorough explanation", offer similar connotations. Therefore, it’s best to deploy it when aiming to convey a well-considered and insightful reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive response

Focuses on the completeness and breadth of the answer.

a thorough explanation

Emphasizes the detailed and exhaustive nature of the answer.

a detailed reply

Highlights the level of specificity in the response.

a meaningful response

Stresses the importance and significance of the answer.

an elaborate answer

Indicates a response that is developed with great detail.

a considerable explanation

Emphasizes the notability and importance of the answer.

an extensive reply

Highlights the broad scope and coverage of the response.

a significant response

Highlights the importance and impact of the answer.

an in-depth answer

Emphasizes the profundity and thoroughness of the answer.

a weighty response

Highlights the seriousness and importance of the answer.

FAQs

What does "a substantial answer" mean?

The phrase "a substantial answer" refers to a response that is significant, comprehensive, and provides considerable detail or insight. It implies that the answer is not superficial but rather well-developed and meaningful.

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

You can use "a substantial answer" in sentences like, "The professor provided "a substantial answer" to the student's complex question" or "The report offered "a substantial answer" regarding the company's financial challenges".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial answer"?

Alternatives to "a substantial answer" include phrases like "a comprehensive response", "a thorough explanation", or "a detailed reply", depending on the specific context.

Is "a substantial answer" formal or informal?

"A substantial answer" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate in academic, professional, and general settings where a detailed and meaningful response is expected.