but substantively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but substantively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being considered in terms of its essential meaning or significance, often in contrast to a superficial or formal aspect. Example: "The proposal may seem appealing at first glance, but substantively, it lacks the necessary details to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But substantively, optimism without reality isn't eloquence.

The New York Times

But, substantively, the legislative package has been a success.

The New York Times

But, substantively, it is the Romney-Ryan proposals that were the center of attention.

The New York Times

Indeed, it could serve as a metaphor for his Presidency: symbolically rich but substantively hazy.

The New Yorker

He's politically astute — giving everybody the impression he's on their side — but substantively vague.

The New York Times

By James Surowiecki April 23 , 2010President Obama's speech on financial reform at Cooper Union was not rhetorically memorable, but substantively he hit the right notes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

For these liberties Rawls requires that citizens be not only formally but also substantively equal.

SEP

"Shalom is God's design for creation and redemption.... God hates sin not just because it violates his law but, more substantively, because it violates shalom, because it breaks the peace, because it interferes with the way things are supposed to be... Sin, then, is any agential evil for which some person (or group of persons) is to blame.

Huffington Post

Other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members were expressed but not substantively altered at the mRNA level in the Bcl-x-null tumors, suggestive of redundancy without compensatory transcriptional up-regulation.

Plosone

Current systematic review methods under development differ in some respects but are substantively similar in approach.

Environmental Health Perspectives

For example, persistent patients were statistically but not substantively younger than non-persistent patients (measure 1: 58.6 versus 60.7, p < 0.0001; measure 2: 59.7 versus 60.8 years, p = 0.0043).

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but substantively" to introduce a key contrasting point, especially when the preceding statement might be misleading without further clarification. For example, "The policy sounds good on paper, but substantively, it lacks enforcement mechanisms."

Common error

Avoid using "but substantively" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Choose phrases like "but really" or "but actually" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but substantively" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a contrasting element, emphasizing the importance of the underlying essence or practical effect. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, evidenced in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but substantively" is a valuable phrase for introducing a contrast while emphasizing the significance of the underlying essence or practical effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, remember that its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Alternatives like "but in essence" or "but fundamentally" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations. When writing, use "but substantively" to clarify a deeper truth or essential meaning that might otherwise be overlooked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet in substance

Mirrors the original phrase closely, retaining a focus on the essential nature.

but in essence

Replaces "substantively" with a phrase that focuses on the fundamental nature of something.

but fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential aspects, similar to focusing on substance.

but at its core

Highlights the central or most important aspect, akin to the substantive element.

but practically speaking

Shifts the focus to real-world implications, a practical understanding.

but in reality

Introduces a contrast based on the true or actual state of affairs.

but in effect

Highlights the actual outcome or consequence, the real result.

however, in practice

Emphasizes how things are done or how they work out in real situations.

though in actuality

Similar to "but in reality", this emphasizes a true state of affairs.

but when it comes down to it

Highlights the most crucial aspect when everything is considered.

FAQs

How can I use "but substantively" in a sentence?

Use "but substantively" to introduce a contrasting point that focuses on the essential meaning or practical effect. For example, "The plan appeared promising, but substantively, it failed to address the core issues".

What phrases are similar to "but substantively"?

Alternatives include phrases like "but in essence", "but fundamentally", or "but in reality", which emphasize the core meaning or practical implications.

Is "but substantively" formal or informal?

"But substantively" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, alternatives like "but really" or "but actually" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "but formally" and "but substantively"?

"But formally" refers to the outward appearance or structure, while "but substantively" refers to the underlying reality or essential meaning. They are used to contrast superficial aspects with deeper, more meaningful ones.