a substantial proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a proposal that is significant in size, importance, or impact. Example: "The committee reviewed a substantial proposal for the new community center that outlined various funding options and design plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, a German finance ministry spokesman said the new plea was "not a substantial proposal for a solution".

BBC

An official, speaking on behalf of the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, said the Greek letter was "not a substantial proposal for a solution".

BBC

I didn't know it would take three years to develop and submit a substantial proposal for change.

Huffington Post

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki later sent an email to reporters stressing that Kerry's comment was "rhetorical," and not intended as a substantial proposal.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This is a very substantial proposal," says physicist David Fahey of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Science Magazine

He says he's put forward "a credible and substantial proposal, with evidence and bank confirmation of cash availability".

The Guardian - Business

Green insists he made a "credible and substantial proposal" to the regulator, despite the regulator saying it was yet to receive a "sufficiently credible and comprehensive offer".

The Guardian - Business

The commission, however, adjourned without making any substantial proposals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are no clear proposals on the CFSP either, nor any substantial proposals, but only hints, on the subject of European citizenship.

EU Parlament

James Dyke, who was chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade at the time and was co-chairman of the blue-ribbon panel, said the three jurisdictions chose "low-hanging fruit" over the more substantial proposal for a high-level governance commission.

The Washington Post

Carlisle United say they will meet with an unnamed party to discuss a "substantial investment proposal" following initial negotiations.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a substantial proposal", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the proposal significant, whether it's the scope, the potential impact, or the resources involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial proposal" if the proposition is relatively minor or lacks significant impact. Overusing the phrase can diminish its effect and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial proposal" functions as a noun phrase, where 'substantial' modifies 'proposal', indicating its significance or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it used in diverse contexts to describe significant plans or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial proposal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a plan or suggestion of considerable size, impact, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the reasons behind the proposal's significance. Alternatives include "a significant suggestion" or "a considerable plan". Overusing the phrase for minor suggestions should be avoided. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of professional and formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant suggestion

Replaces 'proposal' with 'suggestion', emphasizing the offering of an idea.

a considerable plan

Substitutes 'proposal' with 'plan', highlighting the detailed arrangement.

a major proposition

Uses 'proposition' to emphasize the formal nature of the offering.

a weighty recommendation

Replaces 'proposal' with 'recommendation', highlighting the advisory aspect.

a comprehensive submission

Emphasizes the completeness of the presented document rather than its substance.

an extensive offer

Focuses on the offering aspect with emphasis on the large scope of it.

an ambitious scheme

Highlights the large-scale and potentially challenging nature of the proposal.

a far-reaching project

Emphasizes the broad impact and scope of the intended endeavor.

a ground-breaking initiative

Highlights the innovative and potentially transformative nature of the proposal.

a game-changing strategy

Emphasizes the potential for the proposal to significantly alter the existing situation or approach.

FAQs

How can "a substantial proposal" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial proposal" to describe a plan or suggestion that is significant in scope, impact, or importance. For instance, "The company presented "a substantial proposal" for restructuring its debt."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial proposal"?

Alternatives include "a significant suggestion", "a considerable plan", or "a major proposition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of them carries slightly different connotations but communicate the same idea.

Is it more appropriate to describe a plan as "substantial" or "significant"?

While both "substantial" and "significant" can work, "substantial" often emphasizes the size or amount involved, whereas "significant" highlights the importance or impact. Consider the primary attribute you want to emphasize when making your choice. They are often interchangeable.

What makes a proposal considered "substantial"?

A proposal is considered "substantial" when it involves a significant amount of resources, has a considerable impact, or represents a major change from the current situation. The term implies that the proposal is more than just a minor adjustment or suggestion.