feel substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has a significant or meaningful presence or impact. Example: "The changes in the policy feel substantial, as they will greatly affect the community's welfare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"We like buildings that feel substantial, that feel weighted," Williams said.

The New Yorker

They should feel substantial and plump, with no puckers or wrinkles.

The New York Times - Food

But the unloaded weight of 3,306 pounds makes the TT RS feel substantial rather than sloppy.

The New York Times

Carrying a Filofax, with all the inserts that came standard with it, made me feel substantial, cliquish and secretive.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Entering the E.U. was always a dream," said Maciej Karpinski, a film producer with Polish Television, "but now that it's here it just doesn't feel substantial".

The New York Times

The yogurt provides the protein to make it feel substantial, while the fruit makes it sweet, and plenty of ice keeps it cold.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The original Bronco weighed close to 3,600 pounds, about what the Icon Bronco tips the scales at, despite the feeling that this modern one feels substantial enough to have been carved from a single block of granite.

The New York Times

It feels substantial.

The Guardian - Arts

It looks and feels substantial for a small car.

The New York Times

It gave writer a surge of affirmation; he felt substantial, solid.

The New Yorker

Compared to recent forays into sporty mesh or French maids' uniforms, this collection felt substantial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel substantial" to describe tangible objects, abstract concepts, or experiences that possess a sense of weight, importance, or solidity.

Common error

Avoid using "feel substantial" in very casual or informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "feel good" or "feel right" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel substantial" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses a sense of weight, solidity, or significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel substantial" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to convey a sense of weight, importance, or solidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's found most frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing a tangible or significant presence. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as "seem significant" or "have substance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem significant

Emphasizes the importance or impact something has.

appear meaningful

Highlights the value or purpose something conveys.

have substance

Focuses on the presence of inherent quality or worth.

possess weight

Stresses the importance or influence of something.

exhibit solidity

Highlights the firmness or stability of something.

convey importance

Focuses on the communication of significance.

project solidity

Highlights the impression of firmness and stability.

emanate weight

Stresses the emanation of importance or influence.

resonate powerfully

Emphasizes the strong impact or effect something has.

carry significance

Highlights the inherent importance or meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel substantial" to describe something that has significant impact or weight, like "The new policy changes "seem significant" and "feel substantial" to the community".

What are some alternatives to "feel substantial"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "seem significant", "appear meaningful", or "have substance".

When is it appropriate to use "feel substantial"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something has a tangible or significant presence, impact, or weight. For example, describing a building's architecture or the impact of a policy change.

Is "feel substantial" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news articles, professional writing, and academic contexts, but might be too strong for very casual conversations.