a substantial piece of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial piece of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount or portion of something, often in contexts like research, writing, or discussions about contributions. Example: "The report included a substantial piece of evidence that supported the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He never again wrote a substantial piece of prose fiction.

The New Yorker

At the salon, Gautier consumed a substantial piece of hash.

The New Yorker

The Ph.D. thesis is a substantial piece of original work in philosophy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The honors program allows students to complete a substantial piece of independent Biological research.

Stanford University

All students must complete a substantial piece of original scholarship and/or research to graduate.

Columbia University

"China exports a substantial piece of its GDP to the United States.

The Washington Post

It's not a great work of art but it is a substantial piece of history.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The essay must fulfill the criteria for the LL.M. by Writing (see the LL.M.-Associate Program), i.e., it must constitute a very substantial piece of original research and writing that is equivalent to a lead article in a law review, as determined by a member of the J.S.D. candidate's Advisory Committee and a second faculty reader not previously involved in the student's research.

Columbia University

But as the play labored through its gorily over-the-top ending, I found myself wishing that all the accomplished design work had been lavished on a more substantial piece of writing.

The New York Times

The NAO report is certainly a more substantial piece of work than the document produced by Sir Philip Green [176KB PDF], who last year conducted an efficiency review of procurement in central government.

BBC

What's more, though there's no mystery about Churchill's reaction to the Israeli bombing - she's against it - she produces more than an agitprop shout: this is a far more substantial piece of work than her invective against America and Britain's "special relationship" staged three years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial piece of" when you want to emphasize that something is not just any part, but a significant or noteworthy portion of the whole.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial piece of" without specifying what the 'piece' refers to. For example, instead of saying 'The project requires a substantial piece of effort', specify 'a substantial piece of time' or 'a substantial piece of funding'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial piece of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant portion or amount. It suggests that the noun being described is not just a small or insignificant part, aligning with Ludwig's examples across academic and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

28%

News & Media

61%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial piece of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant portion or amount of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts—including academia, news media, and scientific publications—underscore its reliability in formal and informal writing. While alternatives like ""a significant portion of"" exist, understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for each ensures clarity and precision in communication. Employ the phrase thoughtfully, ensuring that the context clarifies the object to which the "piece" refers, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of

Emphasizes the size or importance of the section being referred to, similar to the original phrase.

a considerable amount of

Highlights the quantity or degree of something, akin to "substantial".

a sizable chunk of

Implies a large and noticeable part, maintaining the sense of significance.

a large segment of

Focuses on the component aspect of something, close in meaning to "piece".

a major share of

Suggests a large proportion, especially in contexts of distribution or ownership.

a good deal of

Indicates a notable quantity, though slightly less formal than "substantial".

a hefty portion of

Emphasizes the weight or impact of the piece, adding a nuance of significance.

a notable segment of

Highlights the importance or remarkability of the section in question.

an appreciable fraction of

Focuses on the quantifiable part, more formal and precise than the original.

a considerable fraction of

Focuses on the quantifiable part, more formal and precise than the original.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial piece of" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial piece of" to describe a significant amount or portion of something. For instance, "The company invested "a substantial piece of its profits" in research and development".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial piece of"?

Alternatives include "a significant portion of", "a considerable amount of", or "a sizable chunk of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a substantial piece of" or "a significant piece of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "substantial" often implies a larger quantity or more impactful contribution than "significant". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to place on the amount or importance of the piece.

Can "a substantial piece of" be used to describe abstract concepts as well as physical objects?

Yes, "a substantial piece of" can apply to both concrete and abstract nouns. You could say "a substantial piece of land" or "a substantial piece of evidence".