a substantial loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant decrease in value, quantity, or quality, often in financial or emotional contexts. Example: "The company reported a substantial loss in revenue due to the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everything" makes a substantial loss.

The Guardian - Music

From 1932 to 1940, Citizen Publishing operated at a substantial loss.

Cornell University

So there's a substantial loss for everyone's utility except for the first generation.

Yale University

"I suspect that somebody is going to suffer a substantial loss," Mr. Belth said.

The New York Times

"Over five shifts in a week is a substantial loss of my tips," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But in all possible scenarios, our simulation exercises show a substantial loss of export trade".

The Guardian - Business

Surrendering their veto over patents would be a substantial loss of sovereignty for the EU's members.

The Economist

However, this results in a substantial loss of productivity compared with LHDs that have human drivers.

The Economist

They can withstand high-temperature brazing processes without a substantial loss in strength.

Materials & Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are the only RANC channels that can convey the information without a substantial loss of information.

Plosone

As in most birth cohort studies, there was a substantial loss in the follow-up.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial loss", quantify the loss if possible to provide context and impact. For example, specify the amount of money lost or the percentage decrease in sales.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a substantial loss" without providing supporting data or specific details. Overstating can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It denotes a significant reduction or detriment in something, as seen in Ludwig's examples related to financial performance, environmental degradation, and data integrity. It usually carries negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that conveys a significant decrease or detriment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and appropriate for discussing reductions in value, quantity, or quality across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register. For clarity, quantify the loss whenever possible and avoid exaggerating its impact without supporting evidence. Consider alternatives such as "a significant deficit" or "a considerable detriment" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant deficit

Replaces 'loss' with 'deficit', emphasizing a financial shortfall. 'Significant' maintains the magnitude.

a considerable detriment

Uses 'detriment' instead of 'loss', highlighting a negative impact or disadvantage. 'Considerable' keeps the importance.

a marked reduction

Focuses on the 'reduction' aspect of the loss, indicating a decrease in quantity or value. 'Marked' denotes visibility.

a major downturn

Implies a decline or reversal, particularly in economic or business contexts. 'Major' signifies the scale of the downturn.

a severe setback

Highlights the hindering or obstructive nature of the loss. 'Severe' stresses the intensity of the setback.

a grave disadvantage

Emphasizes the unfavorable position resulting from the loss. 'Grave' suggests a serious or concerning situation.

a steep decline

Focuses on the descending or diminishing aspect of the loss. 'Steep' indicates a rapid or significant fall.

a critical failure

Replaces 'loss' with 'failure', emphasizing the lack of success or effectiveness. 'Critical' denotes importance or necessity.

a serious impairment

Highlights the weakening or damaging effect of the loss. 'Serious' conveys the gravity of the impairment.

a notable depreciation

Focuses on the decrease in value over time. 'Notable' suggests that the change is easily observed or worthy of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial loss" to describe a significant decrease in value, quantity, or quality. For example: "The company reported "a substantial loss" in revenue this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial loss"?

Some alternatives include "a significant deficit", "a considerable detriment", or "a marked reduction", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "major loss" or "a substantial loss"?

Both "major loss" and "a substantial loss" are acceptable. "Substantial" often implies a significant amount or degree, while "major" emphasizes the importance or seriousness of the loss.

What's the difference between "a significant loss" and "a substantial loss"?

The terms "significant loss" and "a substantial loss" are largely interchangeable, both indicating a considerable or noteworthy loss. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.