more substantial than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more substantial than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the significance, importance, or size of two or more things. Example: "The evidence presented in the trial was more substantial than what was initially expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You need something more substantial than that".

The New York Times

"I think we're more substantial than that".

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing more substantial than that, we're afraid.

The Guardian - Sport

It is far more substantial than Rose suggests.

The New York Times

He included editorial commentary that was more substantial than footnotes.

The New York Times

Really anything more substantial than private servers and phlegm.

The New Yorker

He looked altogether more substantial than he appears on TV.

The New Yorker

The Chevy felt bigger, plusher and more substantial than some of the other cars.

The New York Times

And the Palm's stylus is longer and more substantial than Sony's.

The New York Times - Tech

The blender attachment was also much more substantial than the others.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

How many financial booms, after all, are based on nothing more substantial than belief in an imagined future?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more substantial than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both elements being compared are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This report is more substantial", specify "This report is more substantial than the previous one in terms of data and analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "more substantial than" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "bigger" or "more important" to maintain a natural tone. Using complex phrasing can sometimes make your writing sound stilted in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more substantial than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing possesses greater substance, significance, or importance compared to another. Ludwig AI examples show it effectively contrasting various elements, like evidence, arguments, and physical attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more substantial than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to emphasize differences in magnitude, importance, or significance. As shown by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling that one item surpasses another in some key aspect. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding stilted. Consider alternatives like ""more significant than"" or ""more important than"" for nuanced communication. Remember to always ensure that the comparison is clear and both elements are well-defined. The phrase maintains a register ranging from neutral to formal, with the Ludwig AI identifying authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian using it frequently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more significant than

Focuses on the relative importance or consequence.

more important than

Highlights the greater value or relevance.

more considerable than

Emphasizes the larger quantity or degree.

more meaningful than

Stresses the deeper significance or purpose.

more weighty than

Implies a greater impact or influence.

more material than

Highlights the tangible or concrete nature.

more potent than

Emphasizes the greater power or effectiveness.

more solid than

Suggests a firmer or more reliable basis.

greater than

A simpler and more general comparison of size or amount.

exceeding

Highlights surpassing a specific limit or measure.

FAQs

How can I use "more substantial than" in a sentence?

You can use "more substantial than" to compare the significance, importance, or size of two things. For example: "The evidence presented was "more substantial than" initially anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "more substantial than"?

Some alternatives include "more significant than", "more important than", or "more considerable than", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "more substantial than" in formal writing?

Yes, "more substantial than" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a clear and precise comparison, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "more substantial than" and "greater than"?

"Greater than" is a more general comparison of size or amount. "More substantial than" implies a comparison of significance, importance, or tangibility, suggesting something has "more weight than" something else.