a substantial idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence where you are referring to an idea that is well thought out and meaningful. For example: "The professor presented a substantial idea that could help to resolve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I felt like it was a substantial idea for a product.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was all the way back in 2011 that the prime minister claimed that it was actually Jesus who founded his "big society" – which was something of a revelation, because up until then I think a lot of people had dismissed Christ for being a man without a really substantial idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

The project design applied a combined approach using an in-situ substantial idea generation blended with well-established foresight tools.

European Journal of Futures Research

The project design applied an electronically combined approach using an in-situ substantial idea generation blended with well-established foresight tools, called E-lab [8].

European Journal of Futures Research

It was depressingly clear during the televised debate that neither candidate had any substantial ideas of how to revive the moribund economy and get people back to work.

The Guardian

The development team did not have any substantial ideas for the game's music beyond the theme and mood of Hope Falls, giving the composers free rein on the soundtrack's direction.

Wikipedia

"I would like some more substantial idea why I'm going and why this is worthwhile for me?" Over the next two hours, Snowden explained to Greenwald how to boot up the Tails system, one of the securest forms of communication.

The Guardian

"We have to lay out a clear vision and substantial ideas about where we want to go".

The New York Times

Though he called it a Divertimento, which suggests a light entertainment, this 1788 score is really a stealth symphony, packed with substantial ideas ingeniously worked out.

The New York Times

If substantial ideas are brewing, any package, tight or loose, that delivers them effectively is the right one.

The New York Times

Despite this warning, the imminent expectation of the coming Kingdom of God awakened concrete, substantial ideas that led ever closer to social utopias.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial idea" when you want to emphasize the importance and depth of a concept. It conveys that the idea is not superficial or trivial.

Common error

While "a substantial idea" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing the adjective "substantial" in very informal conversations. In casual settings, simpler words like "good" or "important" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial idea" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "idea". It characterizes the idea as being significant, well-developed, and having considerable weight or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial idea" is a grammatically correct and meaningful phrase used to describe a concept that is significant, well-developed, and worthy of consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to emphasize the depth and importance of an idea. While it's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts like news, science, and professional writing, simpler terms might be preferred in casual conversations. Alternatives include "a significant concept" or "a well-developed notion". Remember to use it when you want to highlight the depth and impact of the idea being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant concept

Emphasizes the importance or noteworthiness of the idea.

a well-developed notion

Highlights the thoroughness and maturity of the idea.

a meaningful proposition

Focuses on the value and relevance of the idea.

a considerable thought

Stresses the amount of thought and effort put into the idea.

a weighty concept

Suggests the idea is serious and has significant implications.

an important consideration

Indicates the idea is something that should be carefully considered.

a profound insight

Implies the idea is deep and insightful.

a notable suggestion

Highlights the fact that the idea is worthy of attention.

a valuable contribution

Emphasizes the benefit or positive impact of the idea.

a practical approach

Stresses the feasibility and usefulness of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial idea" to describe a concept that is well-developed, significant, and has depth. For example, "The proposal presented a substantial idea for improving the company's efficiency."

What are some alternatives to saying "a substantial idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant concept", "a well-developed notion", or "a meaningful proposition" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "substantial idea" or "substantive idea"?

Both "substantial idea" and "substantive idea" are valid, but "substantial" focuses more on the amount or degree, while "substantive" emphasizes the essential nature or importance of the idea. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes an idea "substantial"?

A substantial idea is typically one that is well-thought-out, has significant implications, and goes beyond surface-level thinking. It often requires considerable analysis and development.