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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a substantive proportion of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a substantive proportion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or considerable amount of something in a quantitative context. Example: "A substantive proportion of the participants reported an increase in satisfaction after the program."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(14)
a significant portion of
a considerable amount of
a large percentage of
a significant fraction of
a considerable segment of
a notable share of
a meaningful amount of
a respectable quantity of
a sizable contingent of
a healthy chunk of
a substantive percentage of
a considerable proportion of
a substantive amount of
a substantive part of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
For summary statistics we recommend the use of robust regression on order statistics (ROS), which has been shown to produce reliable summary estimates of personal measurements with a substantive proportion of nondetects [ 30].
Therefore, these patients were at first excluded due to possible effect confounding, but after 3 1/2 months of recruitment (16 patients, one "drop-out") it was recognized that these patients represent a substantive proportion of the patient population as many women had only birthed by cesarean section.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
However, a substantive proportion (28.3%) of those in the highest salary category selected comprehensive option 5. Of the two low-cost options, the fully subsidised option 1 was more popular amongst the lowest salary employees (19.4%).
Science
In conclusion, our study suggests that a low but substantive proportion of LBM poultry workers in Bangladesh become infected with H5N1 virus after unprotected, ongoing sporadic exposures to H5N1 virus infected poultry and virus-contaminated environments of LBMs.
Science
There is no evidence for a substantive increase in the proportion of households headed by children or skip-generation households.
The only substantive differences were that a higher proportion of women included in follow-up came from low or middle PNM countries (65% versus 44% in trial overall); so more of them received the intravenous maintenance regimen for magnesium sulphate (67% versus 46%).
We propose a substantive model of its antecedents and consequences.
"We come here today with a substantive package of changes".
News & Media
"There should be a substantive understanding of the Indian scenario.
News & Media
To construct a substantive theory of postpartum fatigue.
However, from a substantive point of view, the difference was rather small.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "a substantive proportion of" when you want to convey that a noteworthy, considerable portion of something is being discussed, implying its importance or impact within the overall context. This phrase is suitable for formal writing.
Common error
Avoid using "a substantive proportion of" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "a large part of" or "a significant amount of" would be more appropriate. The formality of the phrase can sound stilted in casual conversation or writing.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a substantive proportion of" functions as a quantifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates that a noteworthy amount or share of something is being referred to. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.
Frequent in
Science
75%
News & Media
20%
Encyclopedias
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a substantive proportion of" is a formal phrase used to indicate a significant or noteworthy amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts. While it isn't extremely common, analysis reveals its primary usage in scientific and news-related sources. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a significant portion of" in less formal settings. Remember that "substantive" emphasizes the importance of the proportion being discussed.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a significant fraction of
Replaces "proportion" with "fraction", altering the specific mathematical connotation while maintaining the overall meaning of a notable part.
a considerable segment of
Substitutes "substantive" with "considerable" and "proportion" with "segment", emphasizing a noteworthy division of a whole.
a large percentage of
Uses more common terms like "large" and "percentage", simplifying the language while retaining the sense of a sizable amount.
a notable share of
Replaces "proportion" with "share", focusing on the portion belonging to a specific entity or category.
a meaningful amount of
Shifts the focus to the amount rather than the proportion, suggesting that the quantity is significant or impactful.
a respectable quantity of
Emphasizes that the amount is worthy of respect or recognition, implying it's not insignificant.
a goodly number of
An archaic alternative that suggests a pleasantly large amount.
a sizable contingent of
Implies that the proportion refers to a group of people or things within a larger assembly.
a material portion of
Replaces "substantive" with "material", indicating a significant or relevant part.
a healthy chunk of
An informal alternative suggesting a significant and desirable amount.
FAQs
How can I use "a substantive proportion of" in a sentence?
Use "a substantive proportion of" to indicate that a significant amount or share of something is being considered. For example, "A substantive proportion of the budget was allocated to research and development".
What are some alternatives to "a substantive proportion of"?
You can use alternatives such as "a significant portion of", "a considerable amount of", or "a large percentage of" depending on the context.
Is "a substantive proportion of" formal or informal?
"A substantive proportion of" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing. Simpler alternatives are preferred in informal contexts.
What does "substantive" mean in the context of "a substantive proportion of"?
In this context, "substantive" means considerable, significant, or important. It emphasizes that the proportion being discussed is not negligible or trivial.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested