is substantially dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is substantially dear" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation or incorrect combination of words, as "dear" typically refers to something that is expensive or beloved, but "substantially" does not fit well in this context. Example: "The cost of living in this city is substantially dear, making it difficult for many to afford housing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, it is substantially unchanged.

The New York Times

"The operation is substantially complete.

The Guardian

And practice is substantially heritable").

The New Yorker

Finance is substantially about controlling risk.

The New York Times

Maybe there is substantially more.

Forbes

Adjusted for inflation, it is substantially lower.

Forbes

But these were still substantially dearer than those in second-placed Abu Dhabi, which cost £223.

The Economist

This was substantially true.

Encyclopedia Britannica

244 was substantially revised.

University of California, Berkeley

Costs are substantially higher today.

The New York Times

Visitor numbers are substantially up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "is substantially dear" in formal writing. Opt for more common and grammatically correct alternatives like "is very expensive" or "is extremely costly" to convey the intended meaning clearly and effectively.

Common error

A common mistake is to directly translate from languages where similar constructions might be valid. Remember that while "substantially" can modify many adjectives, it doesn't idiomatically combine with "dear" to indicate cost or affection in standard English. Use "expensive" or "costly" instead. If you want to emphasize affection, use "dearly loved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is substantially dear" is intended to function as a descriptive expression, aiming to convey that something is either very expensive or highly valued. However, Ludwig AI indicates this combination is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is substantially dear" is not a recognized or grammatically correct expression in standard English. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's essential to use more conventional and accurate alternatives such as ""is very expensive"" or ""is dearly loved"" to effectively communicate the intended meaning of high cost or affection. Avoiding this phrase will ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing. Always rely on established language patterns to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely costly

Direct synonym using "costly" instead of "expensive".

is significantly expensive

Emphasizes the high cost using "significantly".

is very expensive

Replaces "substantially dear" with a common expression for high cost.

is quite costly

Uses a more formal synonym for "expensive".

is considerably pricey

Replaces "expensive" with the less formal "pricey", adding emphasis.

is excessively priced

Highlights that the price is beyond what is reasonable.

is remarkably high-priced

Expresses high price in a more descriptive way.

is incredibly valuable

Shifts the meaning towards high value rather than high price.

is dearly loved

Uses "dearly" to convey affection rather than cost.

is highly cherished

Similar to "dearly loved" but emphasizes the act of cherishing.

FAQs

What does "is substantially dear" mean?

The phrase "is substantially dear" is not a standard English expression. It seems to attempt to convey that something is very expensive or highly valued, but it's not grammatically correct. Use alternatives like "is very expensive" or "is dearly loved" depending on the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "is substantially dear" to indicate high cost?

To indicate high cost, you can use phrases like "is extremely costly", "is very pricey", or "is significantly expensive". These options are grammatically correct and commonly used.

How can I express deep affection instead of using "is substantially dear"?

If you want to express deep affection, use phrases such as "is dearly loved", "is highly cherished", or "is deeply valued". These phrases accurately convey strong emotional attachment.

Is "is substantially dear" ever correct in English?

No, "is substantially dear" is not considered correct in standard written English. It's best to avoid this phrase and use more conventional expressions to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.