is not substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something lacks significance, importance, or size. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is not substantial enough to support the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They contend that the federal question presented is not substantial.

Cornell University

There is not substantial overlap between the company's businesses.

The New York Times

Strictly speaking, the length of time that I have spent in Israel is not substantial.

The Guardian

During DCMS mode the heating is not substantial but situation changes radically in HiPIMS mode.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The influence of the substrate is not substantial for the position characteristics.

Microelectronics Journal

Rather, what the Gertz language indicates is that the State's interest is not substantial relative to the First Amendment interest in public speech.

Cornell University

Minton's argument founders on Grable's next requirement, however, for the federal issue in this case is not substantial in the relevant sense.

Cornell University

Because the report's nonlobbying distribution is not as extensive as its lobbying distribution, the report's nonlobbying distribution is not substantial for purposes of this paragraph (b)(2)(v).

Cornell University

"But in the modern era those things don't apply: we have tried to find baddies but we all know that is not substantial enough".

The Guardian

While some decrease in the electrode capacitance and charging rate are observed in IL with respect to conventional electrolytes, the magnitude of the decrease is not substantial.

Electrochemistry Communications

However, geostatistical analysis shows that the extra variation is not substantial, and there was no need for redesign of the irrigation valve areas.

Mathematical and Computer Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not substantial", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or evaluated. For instance, specify whether you are referring to size, impact, cost, or another relevant attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "is not substantial" when the item in question is, in reality, nonexistent or completely absent. Reserve the phrase for cases where something exists but lacks significant impact or size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not substantial" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular attribute, quantity, or impact is below a certain threshold of importance or size. It is frequently used to downplay or minimize the significance of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not substantial" serves to minimize the significance, impact, or size of something. It's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is best employed when something exists but doesn't reach a level deemed particularly important. Alternatives such as ""is not significant"" or ""is not considerable"" can be employed for slight variations in meaning. While "unsubstantial" exists, it's not an ideal substitute, possessing a different meaning and function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not significant

Focuses on the lack of importance or consequence.

is not considerable

Emphasizes a lack of size or amount.

is not noteworthy

Highlights the absence of remarkable qualities.

is not material

Indicates a lack of relevance or pertinence.

is not meaningful

Stresses the absence of depth or value.

is not appreciable

Highlights that something is barely noticeable.

is not pronounced

Emphasizes that something is not strongly evident.

is not marked

Indicates a subtle or indistinct quality.

is not impactful

Focuses on the lack of influence or effect.

is not major

Highlights a lack of seriousness or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "is not substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "is not substantial" to describe something that lacks significance or importance. For example, "The impact of the new policy "is not substantial".".

What are some alternatives to "is not substantial"?

Alternatives include "is not significant", "is not considerable", or "is not noteworthy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is not substantial" or "is unsubstantial"?

"Is not substantial" is generally preferred and more common. While "unsubstantial" exists, it carries a slightly different connotation, implying a lack of solidity or reality rather than a lack of significance.

What's the difference between "is not substantial" and "is not significant"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of importance, "is not substantial" often refers more directly to size, quantity, or impact, whereas "is not significant" relates more to overall importance or consequence.