a substantial force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable amount of power, influence, or strength in various contexts, such as physics, social movements, or military discussions. Example: "The new policy is expected to create a substantial force for change within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Opponents and allies President Laurent Kabila of Congo wanted a substantial force that could separate the warring sides.

The New York Times

In 1394 95 he led a substantial force there to buttress the position of the English administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By Jan . 15a substantial force should be in place, and the full force will be in place some weeks after that, the military official said.

The New York Times

Since then, most Baganda have cast their vote for the NRM, and the party's Buganda caucus is a substantial force in parliament.

The Economist

But Mr. Obama will also give the military commanders in Afghanistan flexibility in determining the pace of the reductions and will enable them to retain a substantial force until after the next fighting season, which ends in October.

The New York Times

The classical form was to remain a substantial force in his music, particularly after his conversion to Catholicism, when he began writing a number of religiously inspired oratorios and longer works.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The angular speed is found to have a substantial effect both on the force values and location of contact zones.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In the wake of Buddhism's sway during much of the Tang dynasty, Neo-Confucians of the Song and later dynasties explicitly accounted for the reality of the world by positing a generative substantial force, qi (Japanese: ki), capable of assuming a variety of forms: liquid, solid, and ethereal.

SEP

"It indicates they were hit with a very substantial force," Ms. Fink said.

The New York Times

The emirate of Saruhan offered a more substantial force of 6,000 men in the summer of 1346, but instead of fighting, they plundered Thrace and then defected to join Kantakouzenos' army.

Wikipedia

The Swedes were welcomed by much of the local population, by that time increasingly dissatisfied with the Polish-Lithuanian rule. in 1601 Krzysztof Radziwiłł succeeded at the Battle of Kokenhausen, but the Swedish advances had been reversed up to (not including) Reval, only after Jan Zamoyski brought in a more substantial force.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military strength, use "a substantial force" to indicate a significant number of personnel or resources. For broader influence, consider "a significant power" or "a considerable influence".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial force" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "a lot" or "a significant amount" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "force". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial force" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, signifying considerable power, influence, or strength. As Ludwig AI indicates, it finds common usage across various domains including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's advisable to reserve its use for neutral to formal contexts, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. When deployed strategically, the phrase effectively conveys magnitude and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant power

Emphasizes influence and control rather than size or amount.

a considerable influence

Focuses on the impact and effect exerted.

a major player

Highlights the importance and role within a particular domain.

a powerful entity

Stresses the strength and capability of an organization or group.

a dominant presence

Indicates a leading or controlling position in a specific environment.

a sizable contingent

Specifically refers to a large group of people or resources.

a large body

Implies a considerable number of people or objects gathered together.

a noteworthy authority

Highlights the respected and knowledgeable position of an individual or group.

a strong presence

General term for a noticeable and impactful entity.

a vital component

Highlights the necessary and crucial aspect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial force" to describe a large group of people, resources, or influence. For example, "The company dedicated "a substantial force" to the marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial force"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant power", "a considerable influence", or "a major player".

Is it more appropriate to use "a substantial force" or "a significant force"?

Both "a substantial force" and "a significant force" are appropriate, but they emphasize different aspects. "Substantial" highlights the amount or size, while "significant" emphasizes the importance or impact.

In what contexts is "a substantial force" commonly used?

"A substantial force" is frequently used in contexts related to military deployments, economic influence, or political power. It implies a significant presence or impact in the given situation.