not substantial enough

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Music

If the gods come across as too human, they can seem diminished, not substantial enough to carry Wagner's mythological saga.

The New York Times - Arts

The Kentucky Supreme Court concluded that the risk was not substantial enough to make the particular combination unconstitutional.

The New York Times

"This trade, although large, is certainly not substantial enough to cause a problem in the context of our capital".

The New York Times

Mr. Cantor, the department's spokesman, said that credit recovery had existed for decades and that any abuse was not substantial enough to affect graduation rates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It wasn't substantial enough," Mr. Marcic said.

The New York Times

In her view, the intelligence on the threat from Saddam Hussein wasn't "substantial enough" to justify military action.

The Guardian

But, according to Paul Rozin, of the University of Pennsylvania, who studies the psychology of taste, the salutary effects of chilis aren't substantial enough to account for their appeal to humans, the only mammals that eat them.

The New Yorker

Thin slices of fish cakes bobbed around in a nearly clear seafood broth that was very, very good, but the dish wasn't substantial enough for a restaurant that is, essentially, a Korean pub.

The New York Times - Food

If it isn't substantial enough, then it suffers refutation by Gettier cases, in which case fails.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not substantial enough", ensure the context clearly defines what standard or expectation is not being met. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "not substantial enough" is versatile, overuse in highly formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Consider more concise alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not substantial enough" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the modified element lacks a sufficient degree of substance, size, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

43%

Food

2%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not substantial enough" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express that something lacks the necessary significance, size, or impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in diverse contexts. While the phrase is common in both formal and informal writing, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the standard or expectation that is unmet is clear. While there are several similar expressions, such as "insufficient" and "inadequate", overuse of the phrase in very formal writing may make the writing appear less sophisticated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

Directly conveys a lack of what is needed or adequate, simpler and more concise.

inadequate

Similar to "insufficient" but can emphasize a deficiency in quality or ability.

not sufficient

A more formal and direct way of expressing that something is not enough.

not significant enough

Focuses on the lack of importance or consequence.

not considerable enough

Highlights that something isn't worthy of consideration due to its small impact.

not large enough

Emphasizes the lack of physical or numerical size.

not appreciable

Indicates that the quantity or effect is so small that it is hardly noticeable.

not material

Suggests that something is irrelevant or unimportant in the given context.

not pronounced enough

Implies a lack of distinctness or clarity, often used for effects or changes.

falls short

Expresses that something fails to meet a required standard or expectation.

FAQs

What does "not substantial enough" mean?

The phrase "not substantial enough" means that something lacks the necessary importance, size, or amount to be considered adequate or significant for a particular purpose.

What can I say instead of "not substantial enough"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient", "inadequate", or "not significant enough" depending on the context.

Is "not substantial enough" formal or informal?

The phrase "not substantial enough" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more concise options may be preferable in highly formal writing.

How to use "not substantial enough" in a sentence?

You can use "not substantial enough" to indicate that something doesn't meet a specific threshold. For example, "The evidence presented was "not substantial enough" to secure a conviction."