Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
at a very substantial level
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "at a very substantial level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant degree or extent of something, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The research findings indicate that the participants were engaged at a very substantial level during the study."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
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
1 human-written examples
The NoVo Foundation that Jennifer Buffett leads may not rank among the largest foundations in the U.S., but it is one of the biggest family foundations led by a woman and it gives at a very substantial level: $56.7 million in grants in 2012, placing it in the 100 largest foundations by giving.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
A back pressure applied made it possible to conduct ECAP at a relatively low temperature of 350°C thus leading to a very substantial level of grain refinement.
There is a very substantial level 1 evidence-base, evaluating pharmacological and cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs), 19 20 although the latter are very seldom available.
Science
"The Medi-Cal program continues to grow at a very substantial rate, which is great.
News & Media
So if we look at this a very substantial, a very statistically significant warming trend in the data.
Academia
"We come at this facing a very substantial compensation problem," Mr. Linn said.
News & Media
Foreign-exchange markets frequently overshoot at such junctures which could mean a very substantial drop in the dollar.
News & Media
Right now, they're at about fifty-fifty, and that reflects a very substantial shift.
News & Media
This limited investigation of buildings in the greater Boston area suggests that there is a very substantial likelihood that buildings may contain PCB-laden caulking at levels that triggered comprehensive remediation measures mandated by U.S. EPA.
Cox8b was expressed at a very low level in control iWA, but NE/Rosi treatment led to a very substantial increase in expression (Fig. 4 C ).
Wouldn't a very substantial amount of energy be at anyone's disposal?
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "at a very substantial level" to emphasize a significant degree or amount, especially in formal writing where precision is valued. For instance, when discussing financial contributions or research findings, this phrase effectively conveys the importance of the quantity or effect.
Common error
Avoid using "at a very substantial level" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or unnatural in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot" or "significantly" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "at a very substantial level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or extent to which an action or state occurs. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "at a very substantial level" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for emphasizing a significant degree or extent. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it is most appropriate for formal contexts like news reports, scientific papers, and professional communications. When using the phrase, consider the audience and the overall tone to ensure it aligns with the intended message. Though there are several semantically similar alternatives (such as "to a considerable degree" or "to a significant extent"), Ludwig suggests that "at a very substantial level" retains its unique emphasis on the importance and impact of the quantity or effect being described.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to a considerable degree
Changes the structure to use "degree" instead of "level" and "considerable" instead of "substantial".
to a significant extent
Replaces "substantial level" with "significant extent", altering the noun while maintaining the meaning.
at a noteworthy magnitude
Substitutes "substantial" with "noteworthy" and "level" with "magnitude", emphasizing the size or importance.
at a remarkable height
Uses "remarkable" to replace "very substantial" and "height" instead of "level", implying a high position or status.
to a marked degree
Emphasizes that the degree or extent is easily noticeable or distinct.
at a profound depth
Replaces "level" with "depth", suggesting a deep or intense quality.
to a large measure
Uses "measure" instead of "level", indicating a quantity or proportion that is large.
on a grand scale
Changes the expression to emphasize a wide-ranging or extensive impact.
at a considerable volume
Replaces "level" with "volume", indicating a large amount or quantity.
in ample measure
Replaces "at a very substantial level" with the idiom "in ample measure" to denote abundance.
FAQs
How can I use "at a very substantial level" in a sentence?
You can use "at a very substantial level" to describe something that exists or occurs to a significant degree or extent. For example, "The organization provides funding "at a very substantial level" to support community development projects".
What are some alternatives to "at a very substantial level"?
Alternatives include "to a considerable degree", "to a significant extent", or "at a noteworthy magnitude". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is "at a very substantial level" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "at a very substantial level" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to convey a sense of importance or significance. It is often used in academic, scientific, and business contexts.
What is the difference between "at a substantial level" and "at a very substantial level"?
Adding "very" intensifies the degree or extent being described. "At a very substantial level" emphasizes that something is happening or existing to a particularly significant degree compared to simply stating "at a substantial level".
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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
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested