find something substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find something substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to discovering or identifying something of significant importance or value. Example: "After hours of research, I was finally able to find something substantial that supported my thesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He had to find something substantial to eat.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For example, visit your local bead store for clasp options to find something more substantial and alluring.

WikiHow

A few trips around the store could land you some cheese cubes and crackers, a bit of yogurt, a snack bar and other odds and ends that could tide you over until you find something more substantial to eat.

WikiHow

One can only hope that Barclays soon find something a little more substantial on which to spend their spare cash.

The Guardian

But if you read the speech in its entirety — as I did after watching it being delivered — you will find something more coherent and substantial: a polite but firm request for the United States to stand up for, and live by, some of the things it claims to represent and, at times, has actually represented.

The New Yorker

Amid the often flimsy dance offerings of the New York International Fringe Festival, it's heartening to find something as beautiful, serious and substantial as "Swaha: Rituals of Union" (would that it had a more winning title).

The New York Times - Arts

Online, Mr. Nagra found something more substantial: the Curved Front bar from West Elm.

The New York Times

I'll find something!

The New York Times - Magazine

Find something you like?

The New York Times - Travel

"You'll find something".

The New York Times

You can find something similar".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find something substantial", ensure the context clearly indicates the significance or value of what is being found. For example, "After conducting extensive research, the scientist was able to "find something substantial" that could revolutionize cancer treatment."

Common error

Avoid using "find something substantial" when the finding is trivial or lacks real impact. Overusing the phrase in minor situations dilutes its meaning and can make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find something substantial" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of discovering or locating something of significant importance. Ludwig AI validates this usage, noting its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find something substantial" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the discovery or location of something significant or valuable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. While suitable across various registers, it is particularly common in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the level of importance suggested by "substantial" to avoid overstating the finding's significance. Alternatives such as "discover something significant" or "uncover something meaningful" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific shade of meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover something significant

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the discovery.

uncover something meaningful

Highlights the depth and personal relevance of the finding.

locate something significant

Focuses on the act of finding something important.

identify something major

Stresses the identification of something with considerable importance.

detect something significant

Highlights the act of noticing something of importance, especially if it's hidden or subtle.

turn up something meaningful

Implies finding something after a search or investigation.

stumble upon something important

Suggests finding something unexpectedly.

acquire something important

Focuses on gaining possession of something valuable or crucial.

come across something substantial

Indicates encountering something significant, often by chance.

achieve something significant

Focuses on the accomplishment of finding or obtaining something of great value.

FAQs

How can I use "find something substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "find something substantial" when you want to express that someone has discovered something of considerable importance or value. For example, "The investigation helped them "find something substantial" to back up their claims."

What are some alternatives to "find something substantial"?

Alternatives include "discover something significant", "uncover something meaningful", or "locate something significant", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "find something substantial" or "find something significant"?

Both "find something substantial" and "find something significant" are correct. "Substantial" emphasizes the solid or considerable nature of the finding, while "significant" highlights its importance or impact.

What does it mean to "find something substantial"?

To "find something substantial" means to discover or identify something that is not only real or concrete but also of considerable value, importance, or significance.