a substantial sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of money or resources, often in financial contexts. Example: "The company received a substantial sum in funding to expand its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The winning writer received a substantial sum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That's a substantial sum any way you go".

The New York Times

He had lost a substantial sum, apparently, on gambling.

The New York Times

It requires a substantial sum of money with which to socialise and buy clothes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It won't, but it will try to take you for a substantial sum upfront.

The Guardian - Money

The Australian entertainer has been paid a substantial sum to spruik Rupert Murdoch's Australian newspapers.

The Guardian

My landlord has offered me a substantial sum of money to vacate the apartment.

The New York Times

That is a substantial sum in the very poor communities where the campaign is often focused.

The Guardian

Mr. Silverstein received $1.13 billion, a substantial sum, though less than he had sought.

The New York Times

All of this assumes that you have a substantial sum to save.

The Guardian - Money

He is, after all, about to come into a substantial sum of money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial sum" when you want to emphasize that the amount is significant or noteworthy, especially in financial or formal contexts. For instance, "The charity received a substantial sum in donations this year."

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial sum" in informal or casual conversations where a simpler term like "a lot" or "a large amount" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial sum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It quantifies something, usually money, and emphasizes its significance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial sum" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to denote a significant amount, primarily of money. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for formal writing and media contexts. While alternatives like "a considerable amount" exist, this phrase effectively emphasizes the importance of the quantity being discussed. Be mindful of the formality and choose it over simpler terms when appropriate. Its prevalence in news and encyclopedias confirms its role in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Changes the adjective to "considerable", emphasizing the size or importance of the amount.

a significant quantity

Replaces "sum" with "quantity", shifting focus towards countability rather than monetary value.

a sizable amount

Uses "sizable" to indicate a large size, suitable for both physical and abstract quantities.

a large quantity

Simplifies the phrasing while still conveying the idea of a significant amount.

a great deal

An idiomatic expression meaning a large amount or extent.

a handsome amount

Adds a sense of desirability or attractiveness to the amount.

a tidy sum

Implies a neat and satisfactory amount, often used in financial contexts.

a goodly amount

An archaic but still understandable alternative, suggesting a substantial quantity.

a king's ransom

Emphasizes the high value, often exaggeratedly.

a pile of money

Informal way of saying a big amount of money

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial sum" to refer to a significant amount of money, resources, or anything quantifiable. For example, "The company invested "a substantial sum" in research and development."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial sum"?

Alternatives include "a considerable amount", "a significant quantity", or "a sizable amount". The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial sum"?

It's appropriate to use "a substantial sum" in formal writing, news reports, or when you want to highlight that an amount is significantly large or important. It adds a level of seriousness and emphasis.

Is "substantial amount" the same as "a substantial sum"?

While similar, "a substantial sum" typically refers to money or financial quantities, whereas "substantial amount" can refer to other measurable quantities, like time or resources. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.