but more substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but more substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one is greater in importance, size, or value than the other. Example: "The first proposal was interesting, but more substantial evidence is needed to support the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But more substantial change, Mr. Moore said, has been slow to come.

The New York Times - Science

Meanwhile, real movies, less showy but more substantial, could get on with business as usual.

The New Yorker

The stock has doubled in value since its lows but more substantial gains are unlikely to happen overnight.

The Guardian - Business

But more substantial honoraria are becoming common, and experts say that hundreds of schools have paid them — though quietly.

The New York Times

But more substantial sums than this are left lying in Britain's bank accounts, unclaimed by forgetful, careless, or deceased depositors.

The Economist

Mild blockages don't cause any symptoms, but more substantial disease can cause leg pain when you walk, which is called intermittent claudication.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Martineau and his team say their results show a significant but modest benefit for everybody who takes vitamin D daily or weekly, but a more substantial benefit for those who have low levels of it in their bodies.

The Guardian

But even more substantial incentives are needed to wean Americans from excessive automobile use.

The New York Times

Quaint but far more substantial is Tudor's "Soirée Musicale" (also 1938).

The New York Times - Arts

Since collodion is developed on the spot, he, too, could offer near-instant gratification but with more substantial results.

The New York Times - Arts

Its solid plastic body is small and not as heavy as wood, but much more substantial than the hollow plastic that most Guitar Hero heroes are used to.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but more substantial" to introduce a contrasting element that carries greater weight or significance than what was previously mentioned. This helps to build a clear sense of comparison and emphasis within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but more substantial" in contexts where a simpler contrast would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Reserve it for situations where the difference is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more substantial" primarily functions as a conjunctive phrase, used to introduce a contrast while emphasizing a greater degree of importance, size, or impact. This is consistent with the Ludwig AI analysis, highlighting its role in contrasting elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but more substantial" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant difference in magnitude or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a conjunctive phrase that introduces a contrast while highlighting the greater weight of the subsequent element. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to professional tone. When employing "but more substantial", ensure that the contrast is indeed significant to avoid wordiness, and consider semantically similar phrases like "yet more significant" or "however, a greater impact" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but a more profound effect

This highlights a deeper and more lasting effect.

yet more significant

Emphasizes the increased significance rather than the physical or tangible aspect.

but a considerably larger scale

This alternative emphasizes the difference in size or extent.

however, a greater impact

Focuses on the magnitude of the effect or influence.

though a larger quantity

Highlights a bigger amount or volume.

while a deeper meaning

Implies a more profound or insightful interpretation.

nonetheless, a firmer basis

Suggests a stronger foundation or justification.

conversely, a wider scope

Indicates a broader range or extent.

still, a weightier consideration

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the topic.

even so, a sturdier build

Emphasizes the robust or resilient nature.

FAQs

How can I use "but more substantial" in a sentence?

Use "but more substantial" to indicate that something has greater importance, size, or impact than something else. For example: "The initial investment was small, but a "more substantial commitment" is now required."

What are some alternatives to "but more substantial"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet more significant", "however a greater impact", or "though a larger quantity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "but" before "more substantial"?

While "but" is commonly used to introduce a contrast, it's not always mandatory. You can sometimes omit it if the contrast is already clear from the context. However, including "but" often improves clarity and flow.

What's the difference between "but more substantial" and "but more significant"?

While both phrases indicate a greater degree, "substantial" often implies something tangible or measurable, while "significant" refers to importance or consequence. For example, a "more substantial" donation is larger in amount, while a "more significant" discovery has a greater impact.