lacking in substance like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking in substance like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing something that is perceived to be insubstantial or superficial to another example that is also lacking in depth or meaning. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was lacking in substance like the previous claims made by the opposing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are those who see his films as pretentious, as lacking in substance, as self-indulgent.

The Guardian - Film

It was utterly lacking in substance – legal, moral or otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Proudly worn on its sleeve, but somewhat lacking in substance and subservient to self-interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Singapore summit was a mesmerizing spectacle utterly lacking in substance.

The Washington Post

On Thursday, Vice President Bush and White House officials described the overtures as lacking in substance.

The New York Times

Iraq has readied itself this week for a moment big on symbolism, but, like so much of the war and subsequent occupation, what appears to be big in symbolism is subject to claims that it is lacking in substance.

The Guardian

"When all the facts are fully presented, a jury or a court may find it lacking in substance".

The New York Times

It was fashionable during the presidential campaign for some commentators to complain about its being boring and lacking in substance.

The New York Times

Shadow secretary of state for education, Lucy Powell, said proposals were lacking in substance and will cause many schools uncertainty.

The Guardian

Many critics scorned it, finding the play lacking in substance and the execution overly slick.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, White House briefings and presidential news conferences have become increasingly scripted, ritualized, and lacking in substance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking in substance like" to draw a direct comparison between something perceived as insubstantial and a readily understood example of superficiality, making your critique more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking in substance like" in highly formal or academic writing, as the simile might be perceived as too informal. Instead, opt for more direct and concise phrasing such as "insufficient" or "superficial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking in substance like" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its deficiency in meaningful content. It suggests a comparison, indicating that something is as insubstantial as the compared item. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking in substance like" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something as superficial or without real value, often drawing a comparison to emphasize the point. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While the phrase is not overly formal, it should be used with consideration in highly formal or academic contexts. Related phrases include "devoid of substance like" and "empty of meaning as". Although current data shows a lack of examples, the phrase maintains its integrity as a tool for conveying critique and highlighting a lack of depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Devoid of substance like

Replaces "lacking" with "devoid", emphasizing a complete absence.

Empty of meaning as

Uses "empty" instead of "lacking", focusing on the absence of meaning.

Superficial like

Highlights the surface-level quality, suggesting a lack of depth.

Insubstantial similar to

Replaces "lacking in substance" with "insubstantial", conveying a lack of material or weight.

Vacuous as

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of intellectual or emotional content.

Hollow similar to

Indicates an absence of inner worth or genuineness.

Shallow such as

Highlights a lack of depth in character, thought, or feeling.

Without depth like

Directly states the absence of depth.

Meager in content as

Focuses on the sparseness or inadequacy of the content.

Bare of essence like

Highlights the absence of essential qualities or core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking in substance like" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking in substance like" to compare something that is weak or superficial to something else known to be insubstantial. For example, "His argument was "lacking in substance like" a politician's empty promises".

What phrases are similar to "lacking in substance like"?

Alternatives include "devoid of substance like", "empty of meaning as", or "superficial like".

Is it appropriate to use "lacking in substance like" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lacking in substance like" may be considered too informal for academic or professional contexts. More direct alternatives might be preferable.

What does it mean when something is described as "lacking in substance like"?

It means that the subject in question is considered to be weak, flimsy, or superficial, without any real depth, importance, or value, similar to something else known for these qualities.