more than substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exceeds a significant or considerable amount or degree. Example: "The funding provided for the project was more than substantial, allowing us to expand our research efforts significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Leave it to James Levine to remind us that the work he does is more than substantial enough to warrant all the attention, hope and ink lavished upon him these last few years.

The New York Times - Arts

The be-ribboned flock incorporated the original artistic work in more than "substantial part", no doubt, but there was no "reproduction" in any legal sense, any more than there was "reproduction" when the appellants in this case contributed blank canvas to the "combination" of ink layer and canvas.

Harvard University

It was more than substantial.

Forbes

Let us know in the comments if you like the new build, or find it to be a more derivative update more than substantial refresh.

TechCrunch

"An offer of more than substantial new terms was made to Marland so, in the circumstances, the club is disappointed with his decision to move on.

BBC

Ms. Bryan-Wilson's research is more than substantial, but her propulsive style makes the book a page-turner". "A vividly written, cleverly designed, and conceptually challenging examination of textile arts.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A lot of times I have trouble wrapping my head around things like OF being on the Coachella ticket or there being a more-than-substantial international fan base because you can't really experience things like that to the fullest extent vicariously, no matter how hard you try.

The New Yorker

Initiated in 2010, Chinese-Thai joint military exercises are more symbolic than substantial.

Yale University

But analysts caution that electric cars' breakthrough in 2011 may be more symbolic than substantial.

The Guardian

Yet at barely 0.1% of GDP, that is more symbolic than substantial.

The Economist

And the distinction was not only visual; often Ethel's contributions were more deferential than substantial.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than substantial", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the comparison is being made to. For example, specify what the increase or difference is exceeding to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "more than substantial" in very casual conversation or writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "much bigger" or "significantly more" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Degree modification. The phrase "more than substantial" functions as a degree modifier, intensifying the adjective 'substantial'. It indicates that something is not merely substantial, but exceeds that level to a significant extent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than substantial" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize that something exceeds a significant level or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific writing, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, be mindful of its formality in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "considerably greater" or "significantly larger" for varied expression. When using "more than substantial", make sure to clarify what it refers to in order to give the reader more context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially larger

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly different emphasis.

considerably greater

Emphasizes the extent to which something is larger or more significant.

exceedingly significant

Highlights the exceptional importance or impact.

significantly larger

Highlights a notable difference in size or amount.

appreciably bigger

Suggests a difference that is easily noticed or measured.

noticeably greater

Focuses on the ease with which the increase can be observed.

markedly bigger

Indicates a clear and distinct increase or difference.

well above significant

Implies exceeding a recognized threshold of importance.

far beyond considerable

Highlights that something greatly exceeds what is already a noteworthy amount.

easily surpassing sizable

Indicates a clear and effortless superiority in size or amount.

FAQs

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

Use "more than substantial" to describe something that is significantly greater than a standard or expected amount. For example, "The company's profits were "more than substantial" this year."

What are some alternatives to "more than substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "considerably greater", "significantly larger", or "substantially larger" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "more than substantial" formal or informal?

"More than substantial" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "much bigger" or "significantly more" might be more appropriate.

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

"More than substantial" indicates a significant difference, whereas "slightly more" indicates only a small difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.