are substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significant or considerable in amount, size, or importance. Example: "The findings of the research are substantial, indicating a strong correlation between the variables studied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they are substantial".

The New York Times - Health

The numbers are substantial.

The New York Times - Health

Soups, too, are substantial.

The New York Times - Food

But others are substantial risks.

The New York Times

Still, the hurdles are substantial.

The New York Times

There are substantial differences, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the estimates are substantial.

The New York Times

The potential gains are substantial.

The New York Times

These indirect emissions are substantial.

The New York Times

These benefits are substantial.

The New York Times

The costs are substantial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are substantial", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as substantial, whether it's an amount, size, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are substantial" in very informal or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are big" or "are a lot" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are substantial" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, describing the subject's quality or state. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are substantial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something significant in size, amount, or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it tends toward formality and can be replaced with alternatives like "are considerable" or "are significant" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously in very informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone. The phrase's widespread use across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are considerable

Replaces "substantial" with "considerable", emphasizing the noteworthiness of the amount or degree.

are significant

Uses "significant" instead of "substantial", highlighting the importance or consequence.

are sizable

Substitutes "substantial" with "sizable", focusing on the largeness in size or amount.

are appreciable

Replaces "substantial" with "appreciable", suggesting that the amount or degree is easily noticed or measured.

are considerable in size

Adds "in size" to emphasize the physical dimension aspect of being substantial.

are of great importance

Shifts the focus to the importance rather than the quantity or size.

are materially important

The term "materially" emphasizes the financial or practical implications.

carry considerable weight

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the importance or influence.

are quite large

Replaces "substantial" with a more direct description of size.

represent a major part

Highlights that something constitutes a significant portion of a whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "are substantial" to describe something significant in amount, size, or importance. For example, "The benefits of the new policy "are substantial"" or "There "are substantial" differences between the two approaches".

What phrases can I use instead of "are substantial"?

Alternatives to "are substantial" include "are considerable", "are significant", or "are sizable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are substantial" or "are significant"?

Both "are substantial" and "are significant" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Are substantial" focuses more on quantity or size, while "are significant" highlights importance or impact. Choose the one that best fits the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "are substantial"?

While grammatically correct, "are substantial" might sound overly formal in casual conversation or very informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "are big" or "are a lot" may be more appropriate.