not substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks significance, importance, or size. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was not substantial enough to warrant a conviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, the director said, the changes were not substantial.

The New York Times

There is not substantial overlap between the company's businesses.

The New York Times

Strictly speaking, the length of time that I have spent in Israel is not substantial.

The Guardian

But, although a very entertaining 45 minutes, it's not substantial enough to seem essential.

The Guardian

Erik Parker's laurels are not substantial, but neither is he resting on them.

The New York Times

The change was not substantial, not what we were looking for".

The New York Times

The federal questions that ultimately emerged in this case are not substantial.

The New York Times

Either they were not substantial or Bannon failed to disclose them in a sworn statement.

The New Yorker

"It'll make a little marginal impact in the First District, but not substantial" statewide.

The New York Times

Here's what he said:These are not substantial and will probably be ignored by most consumers.

The Economist

The music is likewise chilly and stark but not substantial enough to clinch the slow splendour at which it aims.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not substantial" when you want to downplay the significance of something without completely dismissing it. It's useful when acknowledging a change or difference that exists but isn't particularly impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "not substantial" when something is truly insignificant or nonexistent. If something has no impact, using stronger terms like "irrelevant" or "nonexistent" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not substantial" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something lacks significance, importance, or size. Examples show its use across various contexts to downplay the impact or extent of a particular attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not substantial" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is not large, important, or significant. As per Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media and science. While alternatives like "insignificant" or "minimal" exist, "not substantial" carries a nuance of acknowledging something's presence without emphasizing its impact. When writing, use "not substantial" to downplay the significance of something without dismissing it entirely, avoiding its use when something is truly nonexistent. With a neutral register and widespread usage, incorporating "not substantial" in your vocabulary can add a refined touch to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant

This term directly conveys a lack of importance or impact.

minimal

Implies the smallest possible amount or degree.

negligible

Suggests something is so small it can be disregarded.

minor

Indicates something is small in size or importance.

trivial

Emphasizes a lack of seriousness or worth.

inconsequential

Highlights that something has no significant consequences.

modest

Suggests a limited or moderate amount.

slight

Indicates something is small or barely noticeable.

limited

Conveys that something is restricted in scope or amount.

not significant

A more formal way of saying something lacks importance.

FAQs

How can I use "not substantial" in a sentence?

The phrase "not substantial" is used to describe something that is not large, important, or significant. For example: "The changes to the policy were "not substantial" enough to warrant a meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "not substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "insignificant", "minimal", or "negligible" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not substantial" or "insignificant"?

Both "not substantial" and "insignificant" can be used to describe something lacking importance, but "not substantial" might suggest that there is something there, just not much. "Insignificant" often implies something is so small it's almost not there.

Can "not substantial" be used to describe both physical size and abstract concepts?

Yes, "not substantial" can describe both physical dimensions (e.g., "The increase in size was "not substantial"") and abstract concepts (e.g., "The difference in opinions was "not substantial"").