a substantial career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial career" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a career that is significant, meaningful, or has considerable achievements and experiences. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she has built a substantial career in the field of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In subsequent years that potential has flowered into a substantial career.

The New York Times - Arts

Want to know the first Jew to have a "substantial career" in the National Hockey League?

The New York Times - Books

Ms. de la Salle has a substantial career in front of her.

The New York Times - Arts

From here, Leigh developed a substantial career in theatre and in television.

The Guardian

It is easy to imagine what might have been had Anderson been allowed a substantial career in opera.

The New York Times - Arts

Davis had a substantial career, hitting 350 home runs, and looks sharp in a broad-shouldered suit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Bartending, he said, was "nice and social," but he is looking for a more substantial career.

The New York Times

Unlike Pulsipher, who never established himself in the major leagues and who spent part of last season in the Yankees' minor league system before being released, Mo Vaughn has had a long, substantial career.

The New York Times - Sports

But he had a long and substantial career in letters of the sort that was far more prevalent a half-century ago than it is today.

The New York Times - Arts

The concert at the Theater at Madison Square Garden was a tribute to Miss Ross, recognizing her world-beating success with the Supremes in the 1960's and her substantial career since 1970 as a solo singer and a movie actress.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Tillinghast's law practice provided the foundation for a substantial business career.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional journey, use "a substantial career" to highlight the depth, breadth, and impact of their work over time. It suggests more than just longevity; it implies significance.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial" merely as a synonym for "large" or "big". The phrase "a substantial career" implies a career with significant achievements and influence, not just a long one. Choose more precise adjectives if you simply want to describe duration or size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial career" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "career". It acts as a descriptor, adding detail and conveying the significant or considerable nature of the career being discussed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial career" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a professional life that is both long-lasting and impactful. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It is suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts, emphasizing significance and achievement rather than just duration. While alternatives such as "a notable career" or "an impressive career" exist, "a substantial career" carries a specific connotation of depth and breadth. When using this phrase, ensure that the career in question has indeed demonstrated significant contributions or achievements to warrant the descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable career

Emphasizes the career's worthiness of attention and recognition.

a significant career

Highlights the importance and impact of the career.

a remarkable career

Focuses on the exceptional and noteworthy aspects of the career.

an impressive career

Stresses the admirable and commanding nature of the career.

a long and successful career

Combines the elements of duration and achievement.

a distinguished career

Highlights the prestige and honor associated with the career.

a prominent career

Focuses on the career's visibility and importance.

a fulfilling career

Emphasizes the sense of satisfaction and purpose derived from the career.

a rewarding career

Highlights the positive outcomes and benefits of the career.

a fruitful career

Focuses on the productivity and positive results of the career.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial career" to describe someone who has had a long and successful professional life. For example, "She has built "a substantial career" in environmental law, advocating for policy changes and conservation efforts".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial career"?

Some alternatives include "a notable career", "a significant career", or "an impressive career". Each emphasizes different aspects of a successful professional life.

Is it better to say "a substantial career" or "a long career"?

"A substantial career" implies more than just length; it suggests significant accomplishments and impact. "A long career" simply refers to the duration of one's professional life. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a substantial career" from "a successful career"?

"A successful career" focuses on achieving goals and positive outcomes. "A substantial career", while often implying success, emphasizes the depth, breadth, and overall significance of one's professional journey over time.