a substantial update

USAGE SUMMARY

"a substantial update" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a change or a revision that is significant or noticeable. For example, "The software received a substantial update in the new version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Touted as a DS launch title, the game never left Japan, where it received a substantial update in 2008.

The Guardian - Tech

An FA spokesman confirmed that a "substantial update" on the case would come "on Monday or Tuesday".

Independent

Sounds like a substantial update.

TechCrunch

It clearly points out the need for a substantial update to our decades-old employment laws.

TechCrunch

It clearly points out the need for a substantial update to our decades-old employment laws.

TechCrunch

If reports hold true, then WWDC will also see a substantial update to iOS's preloaded Maps application.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A more substantial update involves a change in identity of one of the two killers responsible for the eponymous body in the library.

The Guardian

He said the authority could provide a more substantial update later in the day Tuesday, as the sunlight allowed crews to assess the system more thoroughly.

The New York Times

I lean on Skype (and Macs) pretty heavily, so when a fairly substantial update for the VOIP/messaging service goes live, my ears tend to perk up.

TechCrunch

According to the Apple Fairy, close relative of the Fat Nano Fairy, there's gonna be a pretty substantial update to iTunes sometime this month that'll help to bring AppleTV back from the teetering edge of extinction.

TechCrunch

The first substantial update to national science teaching standards in roughly 15 years — and the first including the science of human-driven climate change — is open for public comment through this month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial update" when you want to emphasize that the changes are significant and noticeable, not just minor tweaks. Ensure the context justifies the use of "substantial".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial update" if the changes are minor or incremental. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial update" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "update". It often serves to highlight the degree or extent of the changes made. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial update" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant change or improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, but particularly common in news, scientific, and business domains. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "substantial" modifying "update" to emphasize the extent of the changes. When using this phrase, ensure that the changes being described are truly significant to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like ""a significant update"" or "a major revision" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant update

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the update.

a major revision

Uses "revision" instead of "update", highlighting the act of revising and its importance.

a comprehensive overhaul

Suggests a more thorough and complete change than a simple update.

a considerable modification

Focuses on the act of modifying, implying a significant change in form or function.

an extensive improvement

Highlights the improvement aspect of the update, suggesting a positive change.

a noteworthy development

Emphasizes the novelty and newsworthiness of the update.

a marked change

Highlights the change aspect of the update.

a significant enhancement

Similar to "extensive improvement", but focuses on the act of enhancing.

a valuable addition

Highlights the addition of new features or capabilities.

a meaningful upgrade

Uses "upgrade" to suggest an improvement and positive change in quality or function.

FAQs

What does "a substantial update" mean?

The phrase "a substantial update" refers to a significant and noticeable change or improvement to something, such as software, a document, or a process.

How to use "a substantial update" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial update" to describe a significant change, as in "The software received "a significant update" this year.".

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

You can use alternatives like "a major revision", "a comprehensive overhaul", or "a considerable modification" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a substantial update" and "a minor update"?

"A substantial update" indicates significant changes or improvements, whereas "a minor update" suggests small, incremental adjustments.