a very substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or size of something in various contexts, such as academic writing, reports, or formal communication. Example: "The study revealed a very substantial increase in productivity after the new policies were implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's a very substantial guy.

The New York Times

It is a very substantial legacy.

The Guardian

We've built a very substantial audience.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a very substantial decision," he added.

The New York Times

"There is a very substantial moral hazard in that".

The Guardian

I have a very substantial chance of winning.

The Guardian

Mr Sharon may have won a very substantial victory.

The Guardian

And there's a very substantial section of our book on the pre-19th-century period.

Cornell University

Wouldn't a very substantial amount of energy be at anyone's disposal?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So the changes to the physical environment were a very substantial feature.

Cornell University

How did Cornell University turn around a very substantial deficit into a balanced budget?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very substantial", ensure that the context provides clear metrics or reference points to quantify the extent being described. This adds credibility and avoids vagueness, making the statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a very substantial" in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more natural alternatives like "a lot of" or "a significant amount" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very substantial" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize the magnitude, significance, or importance of the noun it describes. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used to denote a considerable quantity or degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very substantial" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the significant size, amount, or impact of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While appropriate for formal writing and reports, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. To enhance clarity, always provide context or metrics to quantify the extent being described. For less formal situations, alternatives like "a considerable" or "a great deal" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great amount

General expression for a large quantity or degree.

a considerable amount

Focuses on the quantity being large.

a significant quantity

Emphasizes the importance of the quantity.

a sizable portion

Highlights that a large segment is involved.

a notable degree

Stresses the importance of the level or extent.

a marked extent

Indicates a noticeable difference or influence.

a large measure

Highlights the size of a particular aspect or quality.

an appreciable quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity is easily noticed or measured.

a good deal

Informal way to say a large quantity or amount.

a vast quantity

Emphasizes the immensity of the amount

FAQs

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

Use "a very substantial" to describe something that is large in size, amount, or degree. For example, "The company reported a very substantial increase in profits this year."

What are some alternatives to "a very substantial"?

You can use alternatives such as "a considerable", "a significant", or "a great deal" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a very substantial" or "a substantial"?

Both "a very substantial" and "a substantial" are correct, but "a very substantial" emphasizes the size or importance even more. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "a very substantial" in formal writing, reports, or when you want to strongly emphasize the size, amount, or importance of something. It adds a level of gravity and importance to your statement.