it is substantive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is substantive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance or meaningfulness of a topic, argument, or piece of information. Example: "The research findings are compelling, and it is substantive to the ongoing debate about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The shift is as symbolic as it is substantive.

The New York Times - Tech

The Cryptologic Museum is not flashy, but it is substantive, a homey little gem that will educate the dilettante and engross the professional.

The New York Times - Travel

From a legal perspective, Lap said this push by the federal government is more symbolic than it is substantive.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was substantive.

The New York Times

It was substantive and tough, actually fair and balanced.

The New York Times

It's substantive and nuanced in a way that the most broad, anthemic pop hits can't be.

The Guardian

"As I consider the way forward, I will always remember that the progress in Iraq is real, it's substantive, but it is reversible," he said.

The New York Times

So the issue here really has to do with where do they want to take Russia -- it's substantive on a policy front.

The New York Times

But, coming from Obama, the talk about unity isn't boilerplate — he actually means it, and it's substantive, which is to say that it has consequences that make people angry.

The New Yorker

If it were substantive arguments that really mattered, the F-22 -- and a whole lot more -- never would have gotten out of the Pentagon's incubator for bad but expensive ideas.

Huffington Post

It was substantive (Kieltyka, 2006c ).

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is substantive" to underscore the real and significant nature of an issue or development, particularly when contrasting it with something superficial or symbolic.

Common error

Avoid using "it is substantive" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's important" or "it matters" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is substantive" functions as a declarative statement to assert the significant and real nature of something. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in indicating that progress is genuine or that an argument is significant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is substantive" is a formal expression used to emphasize that something is real, important, and has significant content. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is relatively rare and best suited for formal or scientific contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants its formal tone. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual communication. Ludwig's examples show that it is often used to highlight the genuine nature of developments or arguments, contrasting them with superficial or symbolic counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is significant

Indicates the importance or noteworthiness of something.

it is meaningful

Stresses the purpose or significance behind something.

it is crucial

Emphasizes the critical or essential nature of something.

it holds significance

Emphasizes the importance or relevance of something.

it is consequential

Highlights the resulting impact or effects of something.

it carries weight

Highlights the influence or impact of something.

it is material

Highlights the relevance or pertinence of something.

it has merit

Focuses on the value or worthiness of something.

it is considerable

Emphasizes the size, amount, or extent of something.

it is tangible

Focuses on the real or concrete nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is substantive" in a sentence?

Use "it is substantive" to emphasize that something has real importance or significant content, as opposed to being merely symbolic or superficial. For example, "The change in policy is more than symbolic; "it is substantive"".

What are some alternatives to "it is substantive"?

You can use alternatives like "it is significant", "it is meaningful", or "it carries weight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is substantive" formal or informal?

"It is substantive" is generally considered a formal expression. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "it is important" or "it matters".

What does "it is substantive" mean?

The phrase "it is substantive" means that something is real, important, and has significant content or impact, rather than being superficial or merely symbolic.