a substantial cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant reduction in size, amount, or degree, often in financial or resource contexts. Example: "The company announced a substantial cut in its budget for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With such high inflation, that amounts to a substantial cut.

The Economist

Of course, he takes a substantial cut of each buy.

The New York Times

He recommends a forehead lift, which would involve a substantial cut about three inches back from the hairline.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No other actress could play Katniss Everdeen, and for that reason, she can command a substantial cut of profits".

The Guardian - Film

These agencies take a substantial cut – in the range of £250 to £500 per week per teacher.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Labour motion calling for the abolition was defeated by 252 to 226, a substantial cut in the coalition majority.

The Guardian

Another goal is to make "a substantial cut" in the agency's network of 130 representative offices around the world.

The New York Times

Would it be a drop in the bucket, or a substantial cut?" The answer, she said, was definitely the latter.

The New York Times

She cried quietly as her grandfather cleaned the dirt from a substantial cut under her knee while her brother stood by eating handfuls of M&M's.

The New York Times - Travel

But such a substantial cut in stated reserves, he said, "puts a very big question mark over anything they tell us".

The New York Times

In its submission to the RET review, Victoria supported the Abbott government's argument that a "real" 20% target would mean a substantial cut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters or resource allocation, use "a substantial cut" to clearly indicate a significant reduction or portion taken.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial cut" when referring to minor or insignificant changes. The term implies a significant impact, so ensure the context warrants its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial cut" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a significant reduction or deduction in something, such as resources, funding, or salary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial cut" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a significant reduction or decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. The phrase serves to highlight the magnitude and impact of the reduction. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the implication of a notable and important change. Consider alternatives like "a significant reduction" or "a major decrease" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant reduction

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing the degree of reduction.

a prominent decrease

Highlights that the decrease is easily noticeable and significant.

a major decrease

Substitutes both words for alternatives emphasizing the scale of the change.

a noteworthy decrease

Indicates that the reduction is important and worth paying attention to.

a considerable decline

Uses "considerable" and "decline" to highlight a notable downward trend.

a marked diminution

A more formal way of expressing a noticeable decrease or reduction.

a sizable portion

Focuses on the amount being removed or taken, especially in allocations.

a large deduction

Emphasizes the act of subtracting or taking away a significant amount.

a considerable lessening

Emphasizes the idea of something becoming less or smaller in amount or intensity.

a hefty commission

Specific to earnings, indicating a large percentage taken as payment.

FAQs

How to use "a substantial cut" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial cut" to describe a significant reduction in something, such as "The company faced "a substantial cut" in its budget" or "The actor took "a substantial cut" in pay".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant reduction", "a major decrease", or "a considerable decline" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a substantial cut" or "a substantial increase"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "A substantial cut" refers to a significant decrease, while "a substantial increase" refers to a significant rise.

What's the difference between "a substantial cut" and "a deep cut"?

While both phrases suggest a significant reduction, ""a substantial cut"" generally implies a notable reduction in size or amount. "A deep cut" often has connotations of severity or painful consequences as a result of the reduction.