a substantial weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or heaviness of an object, idea, or responsibility. Example: "The decision carried a substantial weight, influencing the future of the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Thus the oxidation rate was increased, resulting in a substantial weight gain with temperature and time.

Surface and Coatings Technology

In subfreezing weather the sea spray freezes on the exposed portions of the ship, thereby adding a substantial weight.

Britannica

I look forward to challenging Theresa May's arguments, with the support of a substantial weight of expert opinion and evidence against her regressive plans.

The Guardian

About half the people who maintained a substantial weight loss for more than a year had done it on their own, they found.

The New York Times - Science

Insight is provided into how steel can be substituted with aluminum as the material for a structural component at a substantial weight reduction without compromising functionality.

Materials, Design and Manufacturing for Lightweight Vehicles

At such a delicate phase in the development of young players, tasting these experiences, pitting wits against different styles of football, becoming immersed in a more intense level of competition, carries a substantial weight.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We have a substantial weighting in energy stocks, and we think that's going to be all right," Mr. Wanger said.

The New York Times

But in places where the grape aspires to greater things, Pinot Gris nearly always develops a more substantial weight, a touch of unctuousness.

Forbes

This is no bumbling joker of Tudor myth — the secrets Mr. Pelly bears and the history he shares lend to him a more substantial weight.

The New York Times

100 The predisposing factors related to developing hyponatraemia during a marathon include substantial weight gain, a racing time above 4 h, female sex and low body-mass index.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

During a parliamentary debate last year, a male MP rose and said: "While the Hon Mazibuko may be a person of substantial weight, her stature is questionable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial weight" to describe abstract concepts like influence or responsibility, ensure the context clearly supports this figurative usage to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial weight" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of weight" or "heavy" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial weight" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "weight". It denotes a significant amount of heaviness or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial weight" is a versatile expression used to describe something that is either physically heavy or carries significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in science and news media, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of considerable burden or influence. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, its application in overly informal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives include "significant weight" and "considerable impact", offering similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant weight

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

considerable weight

Uses "considerable" instead of "substantial", suggesting a notable amount of weight.

substantial impact

Replaces "weight" with "impact" while keeping "substantial".

significant influence

Shifts from physical weight to the abstract concept of influence.

significant importance

Highlights the importance rather than the physical weight.

considerable impact

Similar to "significant influence", focusing on the impact or effect.

considerable importance

Similar to "significant importance", using "considerable" instead.

material weight

Using "material" emphasizes the tangible aspect of the weight.

notable burden

Focuses on the weight as a burden or responsibility.

major responsibility

Emphasizes the responsibility aspect associated with the weight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial weight" to describe something that is physically heavy or something that has significant importance or influence. For example: "The box had a substantial weight" or "His opinion carries a substantial weight in the company".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial weight"?

Alternatives include "significant weight", "considerable weight", or "significant influence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a substantial weight" or "a considerable weight"?

Both "a substantial weight" and "a considerable weight" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference, though "substantial" might suggest slightly more significance.

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

Use "a substantial weight" when you want to emphasize that something has considerable physical heaviness or significant abstract importance. It is suitable for formal or neutral contexts.