a substantive change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or meaningful alteration in a situation, policy, or document. Example: "The committee decided that a substantive change to the policy was necessary to address the concerns raised by the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It was not a substantive change to the law".

The New York Times

It amounts to a substantive change in the way of doing things".

The Guardian

"It's a substantive change," said Bruce Bower, the managing director of Verno Capital, a hedge fund that focuses on Russia.

The New York Times

If there's one state where the latest polls might merit a substantive change in campaign strategy, it could be Michigan.

The New York Times

The plaintiffs charged that the regulators, by ruling that Florida's legislation did not amount to a substantive change in standards, had failed in their duty.

The New Yorker

The exemptions mark a substantive change to the policy since the election, before which Morrison was at pains to say there would be no changes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It notes that the judge "signed plaintiffs' final judgment as ultimately profferred without a single substantive change".

The New York Times

The Final Judgment On June 7, 2000, the district court signed plaintiffs' proposed final judgment as ultimately proffered without a single substantive change.

The New York Times

But that's not, as currently constituted, a lasting, substantive change.

Vice

Depending on whether the amendment is considered a technical or substantive change -- a matter still undecided -- it will either cover recordings made after 1978 or since its passage last year.

The New York Times

Despite a charm offensive by Mr. Eisner in response to the board uprising last year -- wooing anxious or skeptical directors, institutional investors, partners and members of the news media over cocktails and in interviews -- many say he has just papered over a lack of substantive change at the company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive change" to convey that an alteration is not merely superficial or cosmetic, but genuinely alters something important.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive change" when the alteration is minor or inconsequential. Reserve the phrase for changes that have a clear and significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive change" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It refers to an alteration or modification that is significant and goes beyond superficial adjustments. Ludwig AI provides examples of it being used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive change" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and impactful alteration, beyond merely superficial adjustments. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, media, science and business contexts. It conveys that the change affects the core or essence of something, making it suitable for scenarios where the degree and importance of the alteration need to be emphasized. While alternatives such as "a significant modification" or "a fundamental shift" exist, "a substantive change" provides a nuanced way to communicate the depth and impact of a transformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant modification

Emphasizes the notable extent of the alteration.

a meaningful alteration

Highlights the importance and purposefulness of the change.

a fundamental shift

Indicates a deep and foundational change.

a considerable adjustment

Stresses the size and impact of the adjustment made.

a major revision

Focuses on the act of reviewing and altering something important.

a radical transformation

Suggests a complete and dramatic alteration.

a sweeping reform

Conveys a wide-ranging and comprehensive change.

a profound alteration

Underscores the depth and impact of the change.

a material difference

Highlights that the alteration has practical consequences and is not merely cosmetic.

a game-changing development

Implies that the change will significantly alter the existing dynamics or landscape.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantive change" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantive change" to describe a significant alteration. For instance, "The new policy represents "a substantive change" in our approach to environmental protection".

What's the difference between "a substantive change" and "a significant change"?

While both phrases denote importance, ""a substantive change"" often implies a deeper, more fundamental alteration than "a significant change". Substantive suggests the change affects the core or essence of something.

What are some alternatives to "a substantive change"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a significant modification", "a meaningful alteration", or "a fundamental shift".

Is it always necessary to specify what is being changed when using "a substantive change"?

While not always mandatory, specifying what is being changed provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying "There will be "a substantive change"", consider "There will be "a substantive change" in the company's marketing strategy".