make a substantial change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a substantial change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing significant modifications or alterations in various contexts, such as policy, plans, or personal decisions. Example: "The committee decided to make a substantial change to the existing regulations to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It would be odd to make a substantial change today when we're on track.

Independent

You can make a substantial change to your life in Detroit or St . Louiswith half a million in the bank.

TechCrunch

"If the government is unaware that Google plans to make a substantial change in its business practices on March 1 , 2012 it should turn on a computer connected to the Internet".

TechCrunch

For example - knowing about a country on the other side of the world, or the worlds largest mountains etc is not going to make a substantial change to their life in comparison to knowing about the local conditions such as where it is safe, how to use money, how to find a meal, where the hospital is, where a place to stay is etc.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When the suspension was initially imposed, an appeal seemed unlikely because the commissioner's office hears appeals, making a substantial change in the ruling unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

"As one example, today we're making a substantial change based on what we've seen during the Play First trial.

Forbes

However, even after Harlan rewrote the original script, the result was not antisemitic enough to suit Goebbels' propaganda needs so he personally intervened in the editing process to the point of dropping some scenes and rewriting others including making a substantial change to the film's ending to show Süß as humbled rather than defiant.

Wikipedia

In fact, over a large dynamic range, the input noise seems just to increase the magnitude of the fractional variance while not making a substantial change in the slope of <img src="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/asset?id=info?doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0002774.e031.PNG" class= inline-graphic"/>.

Plosone

An intense debate was heard in 2012 in Spain when the government made a substantial change in the national health care system.

BMC Health Services Research

To me, it looks like an effort to make a substantial culture change at Yahoo -- to foster innovation, collaboration and camaraderie.

Huffington Post

He has made, however, a substantial change in his method of composition.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a substantial change", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or aspect being changed. Specify what is being altered to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a substantial change" when the alteration is minor or insignificant. Overstating the impact can diminish the credibility of your statement. Use more moderate language if the change is not truly substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a substantial change" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of causing a significant alteration. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from business practices to personal life, where a notable difference or modification is enacted. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a substantial change" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of causing a significant alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context specifies what is being changed to avoid ambiguity. Remember to reserve it for changes that are truly substantial, avoiding overstatement. Consider alternatives like "implement a significant alteration" or "effect a major modification" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement a significant alteration

Replaces "make" with "implement" and "substantial change" with "significant alteration", focusing on the action of putting a change into effect.

effect a major modification

Substitutes "make" with "effect" and "substantial change" with "major modification", emphasizing the achievement of a noticeable alteration.

bring about a considerable shift

Replaces "make a substantial change" with "bring about a considerable shift", focusing on the resulting impact of the change.

introduce a fundamental revision

Emphasizes the act of presenting a basic or essential alteration, differing slightly in formality and context.

enact a transformative adjustment

This phrase focuses on implementing an adjustment that leads to significant transformation.

initiate a sweeping reform

Highlights starting a comprehensive or extensive reform, suggesting a broader scope of change.

undertake a radical modification

Focuses on the commitment to a drastic or fundamental change.

institute a marked alteration

This version emphasizes establishing a change that is easily noticeable or distinct.

foster a significant evolution

Concentrates on encouraging a notable and gradual development.

drive a considerable improvement

This alternative highlights the effort to cause a noticeable enhancement or betterment.

FAQs

How can I use "make a substantial change" in a sentence?

You can use "make a substantial change" to describe a significant alteration or modification. For example, "The company decided to make a substantial change to its marketing strategy".

What can I say instead of "make a substantial change"?

You can use alternatives like "implement a significant alteration", "effect a major modification", or "bring about a considerable shift" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make a substantial change"?

Use "make a substantial change" when describing alterations that have a significant impact or effect. It is suitable when the modification is more than just a minor adjustment.

Is there a difference between "make a substantial change" and "make a slight change"?

Yes, "make a substantial change" implies a large or significant alteration, while "make a slight change" suggests a small or minor adjustment. The choice depends on the degree of modification being described.