a substantial supporter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial supporter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who provides significant support, whether financially, emotionally, or in terms of advocacy. Example: "The organization was able to expand its programs thanks to a substantial supporter who believed in its mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In September 2009, just before the appeals court heard arguments in the case, the Obama administration abandoned the argument that Mr. Bensayah could be detained as a substantial "supporter" of Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Among his many outstanding contributions, he and Bonnie served as co-chairs of the Cabaret gala in 2002, endowed the Bonnie Johnson Sacerdote Clinical Scholar Award in her honor in 2006, and was a substantial supporter of the current Discoveries That Make a Difference Capital Campaign.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Supporters of the move, especially in the Northeast, said it would be a substantial help in ensuring that consumers get through the winter without facing crippling heating bills.

The New York Times

He led Glaxo into becoming a substantial corporate supporter of cultural, educational and social causes in the region, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina, local and county schools, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

The New York Times

Regrouping under the chairmanship of Nick Owen and with substantial supporter input, they are now owned by Luton Town Football Club 2020, which suggests they have a vision.

The Guardian - Sport

"It has been my sincere pleasure," Ellis said when the Lerner deal was announced last week, "to have been involved with Aston Villa these many years, both as chairman and as a substantial shareholder". Supporters have not always shared the pleasure.

The Guardian - Sport

It told Judge Bates that the president could detain without trial only people who were part of Al Qaeda or its affiliates, or their "substantial" supporters.

The New York Times

It said the United States could detain not only members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban, but also their substantial supporters as well as associated forces engaged in hostilities against the United States and its allies.

The New York Times

The provision states that Congress "affirms" that "the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces," and that the president is authorized to use military force — including detention without trial — of members and substantial supporters of those forces.

The New York Times

The National Defense Authorization Act was controversial in part because it was vague: Congress said that not only members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban were detainable, but also substantial supporters of those groups or of associated forces, without specifying what kind of conduct could make someone detainable and which associated forces were off limits.

The New York Times

The motion focused on language used by Judge Forrest that rejected interpreting the original use-of-force authorization as including the ability to detain "substantial supporters" of Al Qaeda and the Taliban, as opposed to people who are actually part of those groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing support, consider the specific actions or resources provided by the "substantial supporter" to add depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial supporter" when the backing is minimal or inconsequential. Reserve this phrase for truly significant contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial supporter" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual or entity that provides considerable backing, either financially or otherwise.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial supporter" is a phrase used to describe someone who provides significant backing, typically in the form of financial or advocacy support. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the support being described is truly significant to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "a significant benefactor" or "a major advocate" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant benefactor

Emphasizes the financial contribution and generosity of the supporter.

a major advocate

Highlights the active promotion and defense of a cause or person.

a key patron

Suggests a sustained and often high-profile support, especially in arts or charitable causes.

a primary sponsor

Implies a formal agreement to provide financial backing for an event or organization.

a considerable contributor

Focuses on the act of giving resources or assistance.

an influential backer

Highlights the supporter's power and ability to sway opinions or decisions.

a generous donor

Specifically refers to someone who gives money freely.

a dedicated champion

Emphasizes loyalty and enthusiastic support over time.

a vital ally

Stresses the importance and strategic value of the supporter's assistance.

a notable philanthropist

Indicates a broader commitment to improving society through charitable giving.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial supporter" to describe someone or an entity that provides significant backing to a cause, organization, or individual. For example, "The museum renovation was made possible by a substantial supporter who donated a large sum of money".

What are some synonyms for "a substantial supporter"?

Alternatives include "a significant benefactor", "a major advocate", or "a key patron", depending on the specific nature of the support.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial supporter" in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantial supporter" is suitable for formal writing, especially when acknowledging significant contributions. Ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the support.

What distinguishes "a substantial supporter" from a regular supporter?

"A substantial supporter" implies a greater level of commitment and resources provided compared to a regular supporter. The term suggests a significant impact resulting from their involvement.