a substantial check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of money being written on a check, often in financial or business contexts. Example: "After reviewing the project expenses, the manager issued a substantial check to cover the costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In those years few rich Britons ever wrote a substantial check to a cultural institution.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite my anger, I'd be forgiving, would write him a substantial check to help him out and savor the expression on his face when he saw the amount.

The New York Times

My daughter is a teenager, still in high school, and I discovered that if I started taking Social Security at age 62, she would get a substantial check every month, too!

The New York Times

Earlier this year we heard the Agarwall brothers had been offered a substantial check from Hasbro and other companies with a claim to the Scrabble brand (there are several), but that they were holding out for more.

Huffington Post

A common technique scammers use is to send prospective clients a substantial check and then request that a portion of the check be wired back to them to cover the cost of wrapping.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For something a bit more substantial, check out El Resuelve (787-741-1427), an open-air restalongt along Route 997 between Isabel Segunda and Esperanza run by locals.

The New York Times - Travel

For something a little healthier and more substantial, check out my best gluten-free tailgating recipes.

Huffington Post

Freud added that he did not think there was a direct correlation between the increase of unlicensed drivers and the introduction of Uber in New York, but that could be because Uber drivers must undergo a substantial background check and licensing process, the same as any other livery driver in the city.

Vice

Similarly battered, Thailand not only formed a new government, but also approved a radical new constitution, providing substantial checks on government power.

The Economist

In February 2015, May told the committee: "Justice Goddard has already been through substantial checks and in-depth interviews as part of the due diligence process".

The Guardian

She turned to her parents' friends and her church for help and the Lighthouse Point Chamber of Commerce sent two substantial checks her way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial transactions, consider using "a substantial check" to emphasize the significant monetary value being transferred. This phrase is particularly useful in formal or business contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial check" in casual conversation or informal writing. Alternatives like "a good amount of money" or "a generous payment" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial check" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "check". According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a significant monetary payment. The adjective emphasizes the large or considerable amount of money involved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial check" is a phrase used to describe a check of considerable monetary value. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, advising that the phrase is most appropriately used in formal, professional, or neutral contexts like news reports or business communications. Though the phrase is grammatically correct it appears relatively rarely in written English, with the majority of examples sourced from news and media outlets. Related phrases include "a significant payment" or "a considerable sum". Avoid overusing "a substantial check" in informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant payment

Replaces the adjective 'substantial' with 'significant', maintaining the meaning of a noteworthy amount of money.

a considerable sum

Replaces 'check' with 'sum', focusing on the amount of money involved rather than the method of payment.

a sizable remittance

Substitutes both 'substantial' and 'check' with synonyms that imply a considerable amount of money being sent.

a noteworthy disbursement

Replaces 'check' with 'disbursement', a more formal term for the payment of money.

a large contribution

Shifts the context to a donation or charitable giving, implying a significant monetary gift.

a generous donation

Similar to 'a large contribution' but emphasizes the act of generosity behind the significant monetary gift.

a handsome settlement

Suggests a payment made as part of an agreement or resolution, implying a favorable outcome.

a major payout

Suggests a payment resulting from a claim, investment, or winning.

a significant allocation

Implies a formal designation of funds for a specific purpose.

a king's ransom

A more figurative expression meaning an extremely large sum of money.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The company issued "a substantial check" to cover the project's remaining expenses" or "She received "a substantial check" as compensation for her injuries".

What can I say instead of "a substantial check"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant payment", "a sizable remittance", or "a considerable sum" depending on the context.

Is "a substantial check" the same as "a large check"?

While both phrases refer to a significant amount of money, "a substantial check" often implies a more formal or business-related context. "A large check" is a more general and informal expression.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial check" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the check represents a significant amount of money and you're writing in a formal or professional context, such as a news article or business report.