a substantial man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is significant in size, importance, or influence. Example: "In the community, he was known as a substantial man, respected for his contributions and leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The crowd is coming back, said Bobby, a substantial man with a mustache.

The New York Times

The world's leading expert on ketchup's early years is Andrew F. Smith, a substantial man, well over six feet, with a graying mustache and short wavy black hair.

The New Yorker

Because that photo circulating on the Internet of a substantial man's underwear, that is in fact me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Its chief executive, Federico Marchetti, says men's wear sales are growing in all the group's stores, including Yoox.com, the multibrand site that offers a substantial men's selection; TheCorner.com, a men's-only site introduced in 2008; and dozens of monobrand online stores that the group operates for designers from Armani to Zegna.

The New York Times

High point: A heaving version of Spying Glass that segued into an equally substantial Man Next Door had everyone up and dancing.

The Guardian - Music

Though he is a tall and substantial man, Nilsson's round, pink cheeks and winning smile emphasise his other boyish qualities: enthusiasm, curiosity, cheerful amiability, impatience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is a substantial, mustached man, whose initial gruffness belies a sprightly intellect.

The New Yorker

It is promoted and financed by a group of substantial men including William Morring, theatrical agent, Julien Levey; Edward James, art collector.

The New Yorker

Participant "*" was included with the 55 64 age group for regression model Among persons at low-risk for CVD determined through the BMI-based Framingham calculations, no individual risk factors (obesity, tobacco use, hypertension, or diabetes), and under age 35 for men, a substantial proportion of men (35.8 %) and women (61.5 %) received cholesterol testing that is not recommended by the USPSTF.

BMC Health Services Research

He tosses a sheepish grin and gives a wide berth to the group of substantial men.

The New York Times

Even though women are graduating from college in larger numbers than men, there is still a substantial number of men at the top of the income ladder.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a substantial man", consider whether you want to emphasize their physical presence, their importance, or a combination of both. Choose the most fitting meaning for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial man" solely to describe someone's weight if your intention is to be polite. While "substantial" can refer to size, it also implies importance or influence, which might not be relevant or appreciated in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial man" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is used to qualify the noun "man" with the adjective "substantial", conveying a sense of considerable size, influence, or importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial man" is a grammatically sound and usable descriptor, although relatively rare in occurrence according to Ludwig. It can refer to a man of considerable size, influence, or significance. Ludwig AI suggests using it thoughtfully, keeping the intended connotation in mind to accurately reflect the subject's qualities. Alternatives like "a considerable man" or "a significant man" can be used depending on the context. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable man

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", emphasizing the man's significance or importance.

a significant man

Uses "significant" to highlight the man's impact or influence.

a man of substance

This emphasizes the man's character and moral fiber.

a man of consequence

Emphasizes the man's importance and the impact of his actions.

an influential man

Highlights the man's ability to affect others or situations.

a man of stature

Focuses on the man's respect and high standing within a community or profession.

a man of weight

Similar to "a man of substance", but with a more literal emphasis on physical presence and figurative weight.

a weighty man

A more figurative way to indicate importance and seriousness.

a large man

Focuses on the man's physical size, rather than his character or importance.

a portly man

Suggests a stout or heavy build. It is more specific than "substantial".

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a substantial man"?

Describing someone as "a substantial man" typically suggests that the person is significant in size, influence, or importance. It can imply both physical presence and a noteworthy character or role.

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

You can use alternatives like "a considerable man", "a significant man", or "a man of substance" depending on the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a substantial man" in professional writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when you want to convey that someone is not only physically present but also carries weight in terms of influence or contributions. However, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning.

Can "a substantial man" be used in a negative context?

While primarily neutral or positive, the phrase could be used ironically or sarcastically in specific contexts. For instance, if someone described as "a substantial man" is behaving foolishly, the description might highlight the incongruity between their perceived importance and their actions.