a substantial shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a significant or considerable amount of something, often in relation to an impact or effect. Example: "The athlete took a substantial shot at breaking the world record during the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If either Mr. Gingrich or Mr. Santorum is consistently outperforming the other in the northern counties where Mr. Huckabee did well, then that candidate has a substantial shot at a statewide win.

The New York Times

And to Congress, it's a substantial shot across the bow.

Vice

However, communities hosting wind farms have gotten a substantial shot in the arm.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is a real and substantial shot across the bow of the big banks who so dominate our economy and our politics.

Huffington Post

All they knew about her was that in an interview last year on the local NBC television station, she had said that she heard someone say, "Gun!" and that Mr. Diallo remained standing after a substantial number of shots were fired.

The New York Times

Whilst most of the City players, including the Premier League-winning winger Damien Duff, fail to score with a substantial proportion of their shots, Villa calmly (and successfully) works his way through his full repertoire of finishes, scoring at the first attempt with almost every one.

The Guardian - Sport

Gang prosecutor Elan Carr of Westwood, the only one of three Republicans on the ballot with a substantial campaign fund, has a shot at the fall contest if enough of his party — and perhaps some unaligned voters — turn out for him.

Los Angeles Times

An error of 0.45 μm in the measured wavefront aberration at the periphery of the treatment zone may lead to a substantial error in the calculated shot pattern depending on the laser beam delivery (scanning) method as well as beam parameters and compensation for corneal curvature[ 38].

BMC Ophthalmology

Sock had a losing record (70 to 75) when the point lasted between 0-4 shots but won 54 percent (30/55) when the rally was 5-8 shots long and won a substantial 69 percent (16/23) when the point developed nine shots or more.

The New York Times

"I think he certainly has a shot at building a substantial company," Mr. Weill said.

The New York Times

Scobbie found May 20 yards out and the striker fired a left-footed shot that took a substantial deflection and skidded across the goalmouth and into the far corner of the net.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial shot" when emphasizing that an attempt has a notable chance of success or a significant impact. Ensure the context aligns with this connotation of importance or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial shot" when describing minor attempts or inconsequential situations. This phrase is most effective when highlighting significant possibilities or impactful actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial shot" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a significant attempt or opportunity with a noteworthy chance of success, aligning with Ludwig's examples where it signifies a real possibility or a considerable effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial shot" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant opportunity or attempt with a notable chance of success. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct, though its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts where emphasizing the importance of a possibility or endeavor is key. While alternatives exist, understanding the specific nuance you want to convey is critical in choosing the most fitting phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A significant opportunity

Focuses on the potential for advancement or success, highlighting the importance of the chance.

A considerable chance

Emphasizes the largeness or importance of the probability of something occurring.

A real possibility

Highlights the genuine likelihood of a particular outcome.

A good prospect

Suggests a favorable outlook or potential for success.

A strong likelihood

Indicates a high degree of probability.

A significant advantage

Focuses on the benefit gained or the upper hand in a situation.

A notable attempt

Emphasizes the effort made and its remarkability.

A promising avenue

Highlights a direction or approach with good potential.

A considerable effort

Underlines the amount of work or exertion invested.

A meaningful endeavor

Focuses on the purposefulness and importance of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial shot" to describe something that has a considerable chance of success or impact. For example: "The candidate has "a substantial shot at" winning the election."

What can I say instead of "a substantial shot"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant opportunity", "a considerable chance", or "a real possibility" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a substantial shot" or "a considerable shot"?

Both "a substantial shot" and "a considerable shot" are grammatically correct and can be used to express a significant possibility. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a substantial shot" and "a good prospect"?

"A substantial shot" implies a significant chance of success or impact, while "a good prospect" suggests a favorable outlook or potential for success. The former emphasizes the degree of possibility, while the latter focuses on the overall favorability.