a substantial journey

USAGE SUMMARY

'a substantial journey' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a long or difficult journey. For example, "I took a substantial journey by boat across the Pacific Ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Thornton uses untrained actors — Marissa Gibson is Delilah, Rowan McNamara is Samson — and minimalist cinematography to tell a story in which very little seems to happen, yet a substantial journey is taken, by the characters and the audience.

The New York Times

Arguably the world's most famous train, and certainly Europe's longest, it unzips Europe from top to bottom in a substantial journey of more than 1,000 miles that lasts 31 hours.

The Guardian - Travel

The case has left families who do not have a permanent mooring, but where parents have local jobs and children attend nearby schools, in limbo, still without any definition of what continuous cruising means or how far a "substantial journey" is.

The Guardian

Here is a short narrative on the feelings surrounding returning home after such a substantial journey.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm still doing at least one substantial journey every year".

Huffington Post

There was at least one subsequent substantial journey, as Fuller arrived again to Sydney, via Perth, from India in 1919.

Wikipedia

BW doesn't allow continuous cruisers to moor anywhere for longer than 14 days, after which it expects them to make "substantial journeys" along the canal network.

The Guardian

There is also evidence of where this has been achieved in countries such as Holland, Germany and Denmark, a substantial proportion of journeys are by bicycle, including those by people aged 65+.

BMJ Open

The layout of the hall inspired Mr. Thomas to devise "A Schubert Journey," a substantial three-hour program with two intermissions.

The New York Times - Arts

When a friend is about to embark upon an undertaking that might require some sustenance and fortitude, you might send along a hand pie for his or her journey — a substantial pocket filled with your best wishes in a way a cupcake never could.

The New York Times - Food

"While it is fairly clear that Windows will acquire the #3 spot behind iOS and Android, the journey to a substantial and competitive market share is still ways off," Sharma writes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial journey" to emphasize the length, difficulty, or importance of a trip, rather than a simple commute or outing.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial journey" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when a simpler phrase like "a long trip" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial journey" functions as a noun phrase, where 'substantial' modifies the noun 'journey'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples illustrate its use to describe trips of significant length, difficulty, or importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial journey" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe trips characterized by significant length, difficulty, or impact. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare and more suited for formal writing or professional contexts than casual conversation. When considering alternatives, it's important to factor in the subtle differences in meaning; for example, "a significant voyage" or "an extensive trip". Be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate and impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant voyage

Replaces 'journey' with 'voyage', emphasizing a long sea journey or a journey of discovery; 'significant' highlights the importance or impact of the voyage.

an extensive trip

Uses 'trip' instead of 'journey', which can imply a more casual or recreational travel; 'extensive' underscores the length and breadth of the trip.

a considerable undertaking

Shifts the focus from physical travel to a challenging or important project, implying that the journey is difficult and requires effort.

a transformative experience

Emphasizes the impact of the journey on the individual, highlighting personal growth or change rather than the physical act of traveling.

a long and arduous trek

Replaces 'journey' with 'trek', suggesting a difficult and challenging walk or hike; 'arduous' intensifies the sense of hardship and endurance.

a momentous expedition

Conveys a sense of historical importance or great significance, suitable for describing journeys of exploration or discovery.

an immersive pilgrimage

Implies a spiritual or deeply meaningful journey, often to a sacred place; 'immersive' suggests a complete and engaging experience.

a prolonged sojourn

Replaces journey with sojourn, highlighting a temporary stay in a place; prolonged emphasizing the duration of the stay.

an impactful odyssey

Conveys a sense of a long, eventful, and adventurous journey, often filled with challenges and transformations. 'Impactful' emphasizing the influence of the journey.

a meaningful exploration

Conveys a sense of purpose and discovery, emphasizing the personal significance of the journey and the insights gained from it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial journey" to describe a trip that is long, difficult, or significant. For example: "The pioneers undertook "a substantial journey" across the country to settle new lands."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial journey"?

Alternatives include "a significant voyage", "an extensive trip", or "a considerable undertaking", depending on the context.

Is "a substantial journey" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "a substantial journey" is generally more appropriate for formal writing or speaking. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "a long trip" or "a big adventure" may be more suitable.

What kind of journeys qualify as "substantial"?

A journey qualifies as "substantial" when it involves significant distance, time, effort, or personal impact. It is more than just a routine trip; it often represents a major undertaking.