for a substantial number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a substantial number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant quantity or proportion of something, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "The study found that for a substantial number of participants, the new treatment showed promising results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Smoking was blamed for a substantial number, 28.

The New York Times

For a substantial number, no reason is given.

The Guardian

"For a substantial number of small businesses and many of our established businesses, the tax would be higher than the profit.

The New York Times

"Everybody will fight their own corner," said Nicholas Stern, a British economist, who recommended that the United States charge for a substantial number of permits rather than dole them all out as the Europeans have.

The New York Times

Gilad Shalit, who has been held for more than two years by the Islamist group in Gaza, in exchange for a substantial number of Palestinian fighters, and eventually, the release of all prisoners on both sides.

The New York Times

Ms. Esterman said the private contractor that has run the program since 2004 was working with school officials to find the documents and had tracked down paperwork for "a substantial" number of the disputed claims.

The New York Times

Matthew Whittaker, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation and the author of the report, On Borrowed Time?, said: "Debt levels are a major concern for a substantial number of families struggling under a burden of repayments, even as things stand.

The Guardian

Concrete has shown itself to be a serious competitor with steel in high-rise structures; it is now used for the great majority of tall residential buildings and for a substantial number of tall office buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The analysis of the electrical potential, or voltage, developed by pairing various half reactions in electrochemical cells has led to the determination of redox potentials for a substantial number of common half reactions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A vaccine would be surest way to prevent infection because a person would be protected for a substantial number of years, perhaps for a lifetime, without the need take antiviral drugs indefinitely.

The New York Times

The growing desire for an elective system, for a substantial number of academic specializations, and for differentiation of academic degrees, contributed strongly to the differentiation of the social sciences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a substantial number", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the number refers to. For example, instead of saying 'A substantial number were affected', specify 'For a substantial number of students, the new policy had a positive impact'.

Common error

Avoid using "for a substantial number" when the actual number or proportion is relatively small or insignificant. This can mislead the audience and weaken the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a substantial number" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It quantifies a subject, indicating that a significant portion or amount is being considered. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a substantial number" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a significant quantity or proportion. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding what the 'number' refers to and to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "for a considerable quantity" or "for a significant portion" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. This phrase is best suited for neutral and professional registers, contributing to clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a considerable quantity

Replaces 'substantial number' with 'considerable quantity', emphasizing the amount involved.

for a significant portion

Substitutes 'substantial number' with 'significant portion', highlighting the fraction or percentage.

for a large amount

Uses 'large amount' instead of 'substantial number', focusing on the magnitude.

for a good many

Replaces the formal 'substantial number' with the more colloquial 'good many'.

in a large quantity

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the 'quantity' as being large, instead of referring to 'number'.

for a sizable fraction

Employs 'sizable fraction' in place of 'substantial number', underscoring the fractional part affected.

for a notable percentage

Replaces 'substantial number' with 'notable percentage', stressing the ratio involved.

for a major segment

Utilizes 'major segment' to convey a significant section or component.

for a healthy proportion

Uses 'healthy proportion' which implies a beneficial or adequate amount.

for a respectable quantity

Employs 'respectable quantity', suggesting the amount is noteworthy or appreciable.

FAQs

How can I use "for a substantial number" in a sentence?

Use "for a substantial number" to indicate a significant quantity or proportion. Example: "For a substantial number of patients, the treatment proved effective."

What are some alternatives to "for a substantial number"?

Alternatives include "for a considerable quantity", "for a significant portion", or "for a large amount", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "substantial amount" or "substantial number"?

"Substantial amount" is typically used with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, money), while "substantial number" is used with countable nouns (e.g., people, items).

What's the difference between "for a substantial number" and "for a significant number"?

While both phrases indicate a notable quantity, "substantial" often implies a more considerable or impactful amount than "significant". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.