a substantial mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has significant intellectual capacity or depth of thought. Example: "Her ability to analyze complex problems demonstrates that she truly has a substantial mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This would be so if Mill's views were those of Berkeley, where the sensory qualities that constitute ordinary things are all dependent for their existence upon their being present in a substantial mind.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the first place, there are no substantial minds for the sensible parts of things to be dependent on.

SEP

Mr. Clinton said that after the announcement late Wednesday that no agreement had been reached, there had been a substantial change of mind.

The New York Times

The budget repeals the health care bill without replacing it, for instance, not because Ryan doesn't have a substantial alternative in mind (he continues to support a version of the bill he sponsored with Tom Coburn), but because too many of his fellow congressmen remained unwilling to take the plunge into specificity on that issue.

The New York Times

Two big reports published in 2014 (one from an international group of ex-presidents, heads of international financial institutions and economists; the other from American chief executives and former treasury secretaries) demonstrated a substantial change of mind among decision-makers that climate change needs to be tackled.Some markets reflect these concerns.

The Economist

Active members of the working group who were not able to participate at the consensus round (about 3 out of 13 members) had the opportunity to show assent or dissent on the basis of the sent draft of the mind map; there was no crucial dissent that led to a substantial revision of the mind map.

BMC Medical Ethics

Despite one in three voters saying they may still change their mind, a substantial movement to Labour is highly improbable.

The Guardian

"The legal position has always been, in my mind, a substantial and key break on any government military activity".

BBC

The secretary of state herself would be traveling to Europe, and the national security adviser, and the president himself — all with a substantial security entourage, but never mind that.

The New York Times

Like her cohorts, Ms. Smith said she didn't mind spending a substantial portion of her vacation chopping vegetables, washing dishes and making beds, pointing out that in a place dedicated to quiet contemplation, these simple tasks provide an easy outlet for conversation.

The New York Times

He outlined a number of reasons why they were jointly opposed to describing the human mind as a substantial form.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a substantial mind", ensure that the context clearly indicates a significant intellectual capacity or depth of thought. Avoid using it in trivial situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial mind" in casual conversation. It's better suited for formal writing or discussions about intellectual capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial mind" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "mind". As confirmed by Ludwig, it characterizes someone as having significant intellectual capacity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial mind" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with notable intellectual depth or capacity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's more suited for formal and scientific contexts than casual conversation. While less frequent, its usage is clear, and several alternatives, such as "a considerable intellect" or "a deep thinker", can provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Remember to employ this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring the context warrants such a description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable intellect

Replaces 'mind' with 'intellect' and 'substantial' with 'considerable', focusing on intellectual capacity.

a significant intelligence

Substitutes 'mind' with 'intelligence', highlighting the capacity for understanding and learning.

a brilliant intellect

Replaces 'substantial' with 'brilliant', increasing the emphasis on exceptional intelligence.

a remarkably astute mind

Emphasizes quickness of discernment or insight, using 'astute' to describe the mind.

a deep thinker

Emphasizes the depth of thought and reflection, moving away from a direct description of intellectual capacity.

a highly intelligent individual

Formal and descriptive, highlighting a high level of intelligence.

a person of great intellect

A more formal and emphatic way of indicating high intellectual ability.

an insightful person

Focuses on the quality of insight and understanding possessed by the individual.

a profoundly intellectual person

Highlights a deep engagement with intellectual pursuits and ideas.

an exceptional cognitive capacity

Focuses on the cognitive abilities rather than directly describing the person.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a substantial mind"?

You can describe someone with "a substantial mind" as having a deep intellect, being a profound thinker, or possessing exceptional cognitive abilities. Consider alternatives like "a considerable intellect" or "a significant intelligence".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a substantial mind" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a substantial mind" is more suitable for formal contexts or discussions about intellectual capacity. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a substantial mind" and "a brilliant mind"?

"A substantial mind" suggests a significant intellectual capacity or depth of thought, while "a brilliant mind" implies exceptional intelligence and quickness of understanding. "A brilliant intellect" often conveys a higher degree of intellectual prowess.

Are there synonyms for "a substantial mind" that are less formal?

Yes, you could use phrases like "a deep thinker" or "an insightful person" as less formal alternatives to "a substantial mind". These phrases still convey intellectual depth but are less likely to sound overly academic or formal.