a substantial upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant disturbance or change in a situation, often in contexts like sports, politics, or personal circumstances. Example: "The unexpected loss of the reigning champion was a substantial upset in the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A win for Mr. Romney in Wisconsin would now qualify as a substantial upset.

The New York Times

After Keys almost pulled off what would have been a substantial upset, Christina McHale, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, left Marion Bartoli, the eighth seed, in a twitching heap of unforced errors in a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm convinced that a substantial percentage of those who voted for the ANC are as upset about Nkandla as the rest".

The Guardian

The time it takes to process a passport has returned to the usual six to eight weeks, a welcome change for many Americans whose travel plans were upset this summer as the department's staff worked through a substantial backlog.

The New York Times - Travel

Nevertheless the film has a substantial body count, explosive destruction and some horror effects (faces melting, for example) that could be upsetting.

The New York Times

We made a substantial bid.

The Guardian

A substantial and satisfying volume.

Independent

This is a substantial upgrade".

The New York Times

A substantial irony enters here.

The New York Times

That is a substantial amount.

The Economist

This is a substantial grievance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial upset" to describe situations where the outcome deviates significantly from expectations, especially in competitive contexts like elections or sports.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial upset" in everyday conversations where simpler terms like "surprise" or "unexpected change" would suffice. It is better suited for formal or analytical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial upset" functions as a noun phrase. The adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "upset", indicating that the upset is significant or considerable. Ludwig confirms that it can be used to describe a significant disturbance or change in a situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial upset" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and unexpected deviation from an expected outcome. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal contexts, such as news reports or analytical writing. It appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Sports" contexts. Related phrases include "a significant surprise" and "a major shock". When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly represents a considerable disruption, and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Choose simpler terms when a formal tone isn't necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stunning upset

Intensifies the impact and surprise of the upset.

a major upset

Highlights the size and scope of the upset.

a significant surprise

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the event while highlighting its importance.

a major shock

Emphasizes the element of surprise and the potential for widespread impact.

a considerable disruption

Highlights the disturbance caused by the unexpected event.

a notable reversal

Emphasizes the change in direction or outcome.

an unexpected victory

Focuses specifically on a win that was not anticipated.

a surprising defeat

Highlights the unexpected loss, emphasizing the surprise element.

a remarkable turnaround

Indicates a significant and positive change from a previously negative situation.

an unforeseen setback

Focuses on the unexpected negative impact or hindrance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial upset" to describe an unexpected result, such as "The challenger's victory was "a substantial upset" in the mayoral race".

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

Alternatives include "a significant surprise", "a major shock", or "an unexpected victory", depending on the specific context.

Is "a substantial upset" formal or informal?

"A substantial upset" is generally considered more formal and analytical, suitable for news reports or academic discussions, rather than casual conversation.

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

"A minor upset" refers to a small, unexpected change or disturbance, while ""a substantial upset"" indicates a significant and impactful deviation from the expected outcome.