a substantial element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial element" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant part of something, often in discussions about analysis, composition, or structure. Example: "In the success of the project, a substantial element was the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The four men were thus all representative of a substantial element of contemporary Indian society.

The Guardian

And it may even have a substantial element of truth to it".

The New Yorker

There must be a substantial element of training or mentoring by the host.

Columbia University

Though he acknowledged a substantial element of fraud in the vote, he said he felt confident that it was not enough to reverse Mr. Karzai's lead.

The New York Times

A substantial element in making these findings effective, Mr. Friedman says, has been the association's close ties with Chicago's fiercely com petitive newspapers and tele vision stations.

The New York Times

For Ms. Ellis, a substantial element of her success was the support she received from New Vistas, a transitional housing program that helps people with a history of substance abuse or psychiatric problems.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Alloying a fourth substantial element to Ti-Al-N coatings is a promising approach to tailor their properties.

Surface and Coatings Technology

In my view, these decisions properly reflect the need to show more than "negligence" in police training procedures before a jury should be permitted to find that the city's policy was a material element and substantial factor in bringing about the alleged deprivation of protected federal rights.

Cornell University

His first monograph, The Private World of Jean Giono (1967), was published on both sides of the Atlantic, the earliest substantial element in a remarkably prolific sequence.

The Guardian

Many of Ms. Oliveros's scores have a substantial improvisatory element.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a rare opportunity to be dramatically justified in doing a play that incorporates a substantial radiophonic element".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial element" to highlight the significance of a component within a larger context. For clarity, follow with "of" and the larger entity to which it belongs, such as "a substantial element of the plan".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial element" when the component is merely present but not truly significant. Ensure the element genuinely contributes considerably to the whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial element" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a significant component or aspect of something, as shown in Ludwig examples where it signifies key parts of a process, program, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial element" is a noun phrase used to denote a significant or important component of something larger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. Its communicative function is to emphasize the importance of a particular aspect. While alternatives like "a significant aspect" or "a major factor" exist, "a substantial element" brings a particular focus on the magnitude of the aspect. It is recommended to use the phrase when you want to emphasize the notable size, quantity or importance of an element within a whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable component

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", emphasizing the size or amount of the element.

a fundamental aspect

Stresses that the element forms a necessary base or core.

a significant aspect

Focuses on the importance or impact of the element rather than its size.

a major factor

Highlights the element's role as a key influence or contributor.

a critical part

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the element for the whole.

a key ingredient

Suggests that the element is essential for achieving a desired outcome, often used metaphorically.

a notable feature

Draws attention to the element as being particularly worthy of mention.

a prominent attribute

Indicates that the element is easily noticeable and characteristic.

a large portion

Emphasizes the quantity or proportion that the element represents.

a weighty consideration

Implies the element is serious and deserving of careful thought.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial element" to indicate that something forms a significant part of a larger whole. For example, "Collaboration was "a substantial element" of the project's success".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant aspect", "a major factor", or "a critical part" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a substantial element in" or "a substantial element of"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "a substantial element of" is more commonly used and generally preferred when referring to a part of a larger whole. "A substantial element in" is suitable when discussing a contributing factor.

What's the difference between "a substantial element" and "a contributing factor"?

"A substantial element" denotes a significant component, while "a contributing factor" highlights something that adds to a result. The former emphasizes size/importance; the latter, influence.