a substantial area of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial area of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or considerable portion of a particular space, topic, or subject matter. Example: "The research focused on a substantial area of environmental impact caused by urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Photos show a substantial area of the stern burned on several decks, and equipment damaged by the flames.

The Guardian - Travel

Nomads continue to hang on in a substantial area of Central Asia, especially in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and in many cases are prospering.

The New York Times

If built this will likely mark the end of RSPB's valiant effort to save a substantial area of lowland forest and mark a very serious setback to future efforts restore areas of degraded forest.

The Guardian

A substantial area of fertile agricultural land in and around Algiers and Oran has gone out of production because of the civil strife in the country that began in the early 1990s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Embracing a substantial area of the Southern Alps, it is bounded by the Olivine and Haast ranges (west), Mataketake and Thomas ranges (north), Young Range (east), and Richardson and Harris mountains (southeast).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1960, The Guardian decided it would offer its road map for peaceful resolution regarding Berlin, when the paper's Defence Correspondent, Leonard Beaton, wrote an earnest commentary calling on West Germans to consider giving up West Berlin for a substantial area of East Germany and construct a new city in the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Authorities say it is only a temporary measure for the next three years, while the £13 bn mosque expansion project is underway, leaving a substantial area out of action.

The Guardian - Arts

It is actually a topographically variegated region that extends well beyond the peninsula that portion of the country lying between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and includes a substantial area to the north of the Vindhya Range, which has popularly been regarded as the divide between Hindustan (northern India) and the Deccan (from Sanskrit dakshina, "south").

Encyclopedia Britannica

With significant price penalties for GM-contaminated OSR, GM adopters would switch to other crops within the isolation zone, which leads to a substantial area loss of OSR.

Biomass and Bioenergy

Central Bogotá has lots of empty lots and vacant buildings, so why did city planners allow the university to invade the city's precious greenspace – deforesting a substantial area and blocking the view of the hills?

The Guardian

That's a problem for Illinois managers, who burn substantial areas of prairie every year to keep the land healthy.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial area of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being measured, whether it's land, influence, or something else entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial area of" when you only mean 'a large area'. 'Substantial' implies significance or importance beyond mere size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial area of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that a particular area is significant in size or extent. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which shows examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial area of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant portion of something, whether it's land, a research topic, or another measurable entity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and encyclopedic entries. The key takeaway is that "substantial" implies more than just size; it suggests importance or significance. When writing, ensure the context warrants the use of 'substantial' to effectively convey the intended meaning and avoid using it as a mere substitute for 'large'. Consider alternatives like "significant portion of" or "considerable amount of" to ensure precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant expanse of

Emphasizes the largeness and importance of the area.

a considerable portion of

Highlights that the area is a notable part of a larger whole.

a large tract of

Focuses on the physical size and continuity of the area.

a major segment of

Indicates the area is a significant division or section.

an extensive region of

Highlights the broad and comprehensive nature of the area.

a sizable amount of space

Focuses on the measurable quantity of space involved.

a noteworthy extent of

Emphasizes that the area is deserving of attention or recognition.

a respectable quantity of land

Implies the amount of land is adequate or impressive.

a considerable mass of

Highlights the density or bulk of the area's composition.

a predominant section of

Indicates the area is dominant or prevailing within a larger context.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial area of" to describe a significant portion of something, like "a substantial area of land" or "a substantial area of research".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a significant portion of", "a considerable amount of", or "a large tract of".

Is it better to say "a substantial area" or "a large area"?

While both describe size, "a substantial area" implies significance or importance, whereas "a large area" simply denotes size. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What does "substantial" really mean in "a substantial area of"?

In this context, "substantial" means considerable in size, amount, or importance. It indicates that the area is not just any size, but one that is noteworthy or significant.