looks substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be large, significant, or important in size or amount. Example: "The evidence presented in the report looks substantial enough to warrant further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The exterior looks substantial and quietly handsome; the interior is exceptionally well finished with expensive-looking materials -- more Infiniti I30 or Acura TL than Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

The New York Times

Although the 300 looks substantial and massive, it is actually a bit shorter than the 300M it replaces.

The New York Times

A thick printed book of many pages looks substantial, and far more intellectual than a thin pamphlet.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It arrived like a towering popover, looking substantial, but frothy and ethereal on the tongue.

The New York Times

The upstage-downstage undulation pushes out the bosom and, above all, the rear end, which, with the help of the beautiful saris, comes to look substantial.

The New Yorker

The other is Julia Dault, whose sculptures, made of string-tied, stacked-up rolls of plexiglass, look substantial enough but require the support of a gallery wall to stay upright.

The New York Times - Arts

From a distance they look substantial and solid, yet in reality they are gossamer thin: thousands of kilometers wide, yet only a few kilometers thick.

Huffington Post

The slender, cat-faced boy of "Titanic" now looks solid and substantial, and he speaks with a dominating voice.

The New Yorker

Even the original thin wall paneling, painted a crisp, glossy white, looks almost substantial.

The New York Times

The Encore looks more substantial than you'd expect from the tidy footprint.

The New York Times

But Salzburg has been making up for its historical neglect ever since, and this summer's festival looks particularly substantial.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks substantial" to convey that something has a significant or impressive appearance, suggesting size, quality, or importance. For example, "The new building looks substantial and well-designed."

Common error

Avoid using "looks substantial" to describe abstract concepts or immaterial qualities. It's more appropriate for tangible objects or entities. Instead of saying 'The idea looks substantial', consider 'The idea seems promising' or 'The idea has merit'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks substantial" functions primarily as a descriptor, indicating the apparent quality or size of something. It attributes a characteristic based on visual assessment. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe physical objects like books, buildings, and cars.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks substantial" is used to describe the apparent size, quality, or significance of something, primarily based on visual assessment. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable expression in written English, typically found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best applied to tangible objects or entities rather than abstract concepts. For alternatives, consider "appears significant" or "seems considerable" to convey similar meanings in varying contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something's appearance.

seems considerable

Highlights the noteworthiness or magnitude of the appearance.

presents a solid image

Focuses on the impression of stability and reliability.

projects a strong presence

Conveys a powerful and impactful visual impression.

has a weighty appearance

Suggests a sense of importance and influence based on looks.

gives an impression of solidity

Highlights the appearance of being firm and stable.

conveys a sense of heft

Emphasizes the apparent bulkiness or substantiality.

makes a grand showing

Focuses on the impressive and elaborate visual display.

exudes importance

Highlights the quality of radiating significance through appearance.

bears a massive form

Emphasizes the large and imposing physical shape.

FAQs

How can I use "looks substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "looks substantial" to describe something that appears to be significant, large, or well-made. For example, "The new evidence in the case looks substantial and could change the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "looks substantial"?

Alternatives include "appears significant", "seems considerable", or "presents a solid image". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "looks substantial" for abstract ideas?

While "looks substantial" is typically used for physical objects, you can use it metaphorically for ideas or plans that seem well-developed and promising. However, be mindful of the context; alternatives like "appears promising" might be more suitable.

What does it mean when something "looks substantial"?

When something "looks substantial", it gives the impression of being important, well-built, or having significant weight or value. It suggests that the thing in question is more than just superficial.