has substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has substance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is meaningful, significant, or has depth. An example would be: "The argument presented in the essay has substance." Alternative expressions include "is substantial," "has depth," and "is meaningful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

She has substance.

Independent

It has substance.

The New York Times

Loud though it is, its loudness has substance.

The New York Times - Arts

I haven't seen one real suggestion that has substance".

The New York Times

It has substance, too, and self-assured grace.

The New York Times

He has substance without bawling, like some great Russian.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A group also has substances as proper parts, but it not merely a compound substance.

SEP

Does it have substance?

The New York Times - Arts

The base car had to have substance.

The New York Times

This boom appears to have substance.

The Economist

The form, therefore, should have substance.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has substance" to describe arguments, ideas, or creative works that are well-developed and have a meaningful impact. It conveys that something is more than just superficial.

Common error

While "has substance" is generally appropriate, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's good" or "it matters" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has substance" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject possesses the quality of being meaningful, important, or well-developed. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this predicate can describe anything from a film's plot to an individual's character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has substance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something meaningful, significant, or well-developed. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently employed in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While versatile, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Related phrases include "is meaningful" and "is substantial", offering nuanced alternatives. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication. In essence, "has substance" is a valuable tool for conveying the depth and importance of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is meaningful

Focuses on the importance and value of something.

is significant

Stresses the importance and impact of something.

is substantial

Focuses on the solid and significant nature of something.

possesses depth

Emphasizes the intellectual or emotional depth of something.

contains significance

Highlights the importance or meaningfulness of something.

is profound

Indicates that something is deeply meaningful and insightful.

carries weight

Suggests that something is important and influential.

is well-grounded

Implies that something is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

is considerable

Suggests that something is substantial and noteworthy.

demonstrates validity

Highlights that something is well-supported and believable.

FAQs

How can I use "has substance" in a sentence?

Use "has substance" to describe something meaningful, significant, or with depth. For instance, "The movie's plot "has substance" because it explores complex themes".

What are some alternatives to "has substance"?

Alternatives include "is meaningful", "is significant", or "is substantial". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "has substance" or "is substantive"?

"Has substance" and "is substantive" are similar, but "has substance" focuses on the quality of having depth, while "is substantive" directly describes something as being substantial or important. Both are correct but suit slightly different contexts.

What does it mean when something "has substance"?

It means that something is not superficial or trivial; it is meaningful, important, and has depth. It implies that something is well-developed and worth considering seriously.