it sounds substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be significant, meaningful, or worthy of attention. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I must say it sounds substantial and worth considering for our next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although it sounds substantial, the forecast of 310,000 hours of viewing a month is a fraction of the total listener hours to Radio 1, which averaged nearly 70m hours a week according to the latest Rajar figures.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And will it sound substantial, or will it sound bland?

The Guardian

It just increased its fleet here by 33percentt -- which sounds substantial until you learn that that amounts to one extra car.

The New York Times

That sounds substantial until you contrast it with the actual cost of the medical care he received: $44,500 for his four days in the hospital, $72,000 for one year of dialysis, and $106,000 for a possible kidney transplant with lots of medicines to prevent rejection.

The New York Times - Health

Its sound substantial yet agile, the Staatskapelle is well suited to Mr. Thielemann's lithe conception of the opera.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, some of the administration's complaints about the soon-to-be sacked attorneys sound substantial.

The Economist

Annan can make the vaguest, most innocuous statements sound substantial and profound, and he can deliver his toughest, most challenging arguments without apparent argumentativeness.

The New Yorker

It sounds like it.

The New Yorker

It sounds interesting.

European Transport Research Review

He replied: "It sounds good.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

It sounds like a simple question.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds substantial" when you want to convey that something initially seems important or significant, but you might want to examine it more closely to determine its true value. This is particularly effective in business or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds substantial" as a substitute for actual analysis. Always follow up with a deeper look to confirm if the initial impression aligns with reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds substantial" primarily functions as an evaluative expression. It conveys an initial assessment of something as being considerable, significant, or impressive based on preliminary information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suggesting its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds substantial" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something seems significant or important upon initial consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While frequently used in News & Media and Science, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase without proper critical evaluation. Remember to examine the actual value and significance before concluding that something is truly substantial. Consider using alternatives like "it appears significant" or "it seems considerable" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears significant

Emphasizes the visual or observable aspect of being substantial.

it seems considerable

Focuses on the amount or degree of something being substantial.

it rings true

Shifts the focus to authenticity and validity, implying the substance is genuine.

it gives the impression of importance

Highlights the perceived significance or weight of something.

it conveys magnitude

Stresses the size or extent of the substance.

it suggests a large effect

Implicates that this substantial element will produce considerable results.

it smacks of significance

Presents how something might appear significant.

it looks weighty

Highlights perceived importance or seriousness of something.

it has a solid base

Conveys that something has been built upon something substantial, giving it legitimacy.

it comes across as weighty

Emphasizes the subjective impression of something being substantial or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "it sounds substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds substantial" to express that something seems significant or important. For example, "The proposed budget increase sounds substantial, but we need to analyze where the funds are allocated."

What can I say instead of "it sounds substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears significant", "it seems considerable", or "it rings true" depending on the context.

Is "it sounds substantial" formal or informal?

"It sounds substantial" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer a more precise alternative like "it appears significant".

What's the difference between "it sounds substantial" and "it is substantial"?

"It sounds substantial" indicates an initial impression or perception, while "it is substantial" asserts a confirmed fact. The former suggests further evaluation might be needed, whereas the latter implies established significance.