a substantial circle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial circle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable group of people or things that are connected in some way, often in a social or organizational context. Example: "The charity event attracted a substantial circle of influential donors who were eager to support the cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The city and the court had a substantial circle of humanists.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, a substantial variation is obvious within circles indicating differing growing conditions for plants belonging to the same circle.

Forest Ecosystems

It's a nasty piece of work that enjoys a substantial influence in mainstream liberal circles.

Huffington Post

Although his office was 650 miles from Capitol Hill, Bopp had cultivated a substantial reputation in right-wing circles for his work on behalf of Washington-based Christianive Christian organizations, including the anti-abortion National Right to Life Committee.

Huffington Post

Notably, the amount of 2-LTR circles was low in a substantial number of ART-treated patients and LTNPs and undetectable in 26% of treated patients.

eLife

Some nuclei lacked GFP (Fig. 1C, arrows), while others contained a substantial amount of GFP (Fig. 1C, white circle).

Plosone

Due to not adjusting the bounds for each colony, the sizes are sometimes underestimated, as a substantial portion of the colony remains outside of the fixed circle.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

"In certain circles," Mr. Thoreson said, "if you don't have a substantial timepiece with some pedigree, you feel like you're missing out on something".

The New York Times

We made a substantial bid.

The Guardian

A substantial and satisfying volume.

Independent

This is a substantial upgrade".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial circle", ensure the context clearly defines the shared interest or connection among the members of the circle. Provide specifics about their common ground to reinforce the significance of the grouping.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial circle" when referring to a small or insignificant group. Reserve this phrase for situations where the size and influence of the group are genuinely noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial circle" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies "circle". It describes a significant or considerable group of people, as supported by Ludwig. The example provided by Ludwig indicates its use to describe a group of humanists.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial circle" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit relatively rare. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a significant group connected by shared interests or relationships. While its usage isn't tied to a specific register, it's important to reserve it for groups that are genuinely noteworthy in size or influence. Alternatives like "a significant group" or "a considerable network" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance. Keep in mind it's a correct expression from a grammatical point of view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant group

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the group.

a considerable network

Highlights the connections and relationships within the group.

a large community

Focuses on the communal aspect and size of the group.

a sizable contingent

Implies a notable portion or representation within a larger entity.

an influential coterie

Stresses the power and impact of the inner circle.

a noteworthy faction

Suggests a group with a distinct agenda or set of beliefs.

a prominent assembly

Highlights the formal and visible aspect of the group.

an extensive web

Focuses on the interconnectedness and reach of the network.

a respectable body

Indicates a group worthy of esteem and consideration.

a thriving association

Emphasizes the active and successful nature of the group.

FAQs

What does "a substantial circle" mean?

The phrase "a substantial circle" refers to a significant or considerable group of people who are connected by a shared interest, profession, or social relationship. It implies that the group is large enough to be noteworthy.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial circle"?

Use "a substantial circle" when you want to emphasize the size and influence of a group of people. It's appropriate when the group's numbers or connections are significant to the context you're describing. For example, "The university has "a substantial circle" of alumni who actively support its programs".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial circle"?

Alternatives include "a significant group", "a considerable network", or "a large community". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a substantial circle" differ from "an inner circle"?

"An inner circle" refers to a small, exclusive group of people who are closest to a leader or decision-maker. "A substantial circle" is larger and may not be as tightly knit or influential.