a substantial chunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial chunk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion or amount of something, often in a quantitative context. Example: "The report revealed that a substantial chunk of the budget was allocated to marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That suggests an election would see the obliteration of a substantial chunk of Labour MPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

The savings she made helped her to pay off a substantial chunk of her mortgage.

The Guardian - Money

Allergan has now churned through a substantial chunk of its Teva windfall.

The New York Times

They did represent a substantial chunk of the $5.5 million cost of the home, she acknowledged.

The New York Times

The bank was based in Iceland but a substantial chunk of its business came from Britain.

The Economist

Disposing of this business would remove a substantial chunk of APN's debts from the INM balance sheet.

The Guardian

The 39 Broadway theaters alone would have lost a substantial chunk of their 12.9 million ticket-buyers in 2007.

The New York Times

Not only do most people in education know that, so now does a substantial chunk of the Tory party.

The Guardian - Opinion

For many communities, the payouts add up to a substantial chunk of their overall spending, the analysis found.

The New York Times

But nothing legally binding has yet been signed and a substantial chunk of the club's shares is up for sale.

The Economist

Here in Virginia, where defense contractors make up a substantial chunk of the economy, such ideals may not fly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial chunk of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'chunk' is part of. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

While acceptable, "a substantial chunk of" can sometimes sound less formal. In academic or highly professional contexts, consider alternatives like "a significant portion of" or "a considerable amount of" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial chunk of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant portion or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and frequent across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial chunk of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant portion or amount. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, lending emphasis to the magnitude of the part being described. While versatile across various contexts, it leans towards informality and may warrant more formal alternatives like "a significant portion of" in academic or professional settings. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves effectively to quantify and underscore the importance of a specific portion in relation to the whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of

Emphasizes the importance or notability of the portion.

a major part of

Stresses the importance and integral role of something.

a considerable amount of

Highlights the quantity or size of something.

a sizable piece of

Implies a large and noticeable fragment or segment.

a large segment of

Suggests a distinct and identifiable section of a whole.

a considerable segment of

Highlights that the portion is large enough to be considered.

a large fraction of

Focuses on the proportion or ratio that something represents.

a notable share of

Highlights that the portion is worth paying attention to or is remarkable.

a good deal of

Indicates a noteworthy quantity, often in a less formal context.

a hefty slice of

Emphasizes the generous or considerable size of the portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial chunk of" to indicate a significant portion or amount of something. For example: "A substantial chunk of the budget was allocated to research."

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

Alternatives include "a significant portion of", "a considerable amount of", or "a sizable piece of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial chunk of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a substantial chunk of" might be perceived as less formal. In highly formal contexts, consider more refined alternatives like "a significant portion of" or "a considerable amount of".

What does "a substantial chunk of" actually mean?

It means a large or significant portion or amount of something. The word "substantial" emphasizes that the chunk is not negligible or small.