on a substantial scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a substantial scale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means on a large or significant level, often referring to the size or quantity of something. Example: The company implemented cost-cutting measures on a substantial scale in order to improve their financial stability.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I would therefore enthusiastically support the sort of enterprise where a hospital ship equipped to do plasmaphoresis on a substantial scale is anchored off the coast of one of the affected countries and where convalescent donors are paid for allowing their blood to be taken and are transported by air to these ships where they are plasmaphoresed.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Until now, the central bank has refused to intervene on a substantial scale.

The New York Times

Of course we redistribute, and we've been doing it on a substantial scale for generations.

The New York Times

The preferences that the admissions office is giving, Mr. Sander argues, are "on a substantial scale".

The New York Times

It undertakes research on a substantial scale and affords a forum for the discussion of international economic problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another important development of the late 19th century was the separation from their ores, on a substantial scale, of aluminum and magnesium.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The basic point is a simple one: there is no real evidence that robots are displacing workers on any substantial scale.

Huffington Post

It is indigenous to Virginia, is not cultivated or dealt in commercially on any substantial scale, and its value throughout the state is shown to be small as compared with that of the apple orchards of the state.

Cornell University

Invited to prepare a Penguin Book of the British Short Story on a very substantial scale, I made the point to my commissioning editor that anthologies rarely seemed to be the product of much rigorous reading.

The Guardian - Books

"The U.K. retail investor is being screwed on a fairly substantial scale," blasts Andrew Hilton, director of the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation, a London think tank.

Forbes

Second, the economics of the project itself were, in Sir Tim's phrase, "unambiguously bad and, what is more, on a very substantial scale".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a substantial scale" to emphasize the magnitude or significance of an action, event, or impact. It is particularly effective when describing initiatives or changes that have a broad and noticeable effect.

Common error

Avoid using "on a substantial scale" when describing small or localized effects. This phrase implies a widespread or significant impact, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a substantial scale" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the extent or degree to which an action is performed or a situation exists. Ludwig AI confirms its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a substantial scale" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the significant degree or extent to which something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. While similar to "on a large scale", it places more emphasis on the importance and impact rather than merely physical size. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with a widespread or significant effect to maintain credibility. Alternatives include phrases like "on a large scale" or "to a considerable extent", each with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a large scale

Focuses on the physical size or scope of the activity or impact.

to a considerable extent

Emphasizes the degree or magnitude of something.

on a significant level

Highlights the importance or impact of something.

on a grand scale

Suggests something is happening in an impressive or ambitious way.

extensively

Implies a wide-ranging or thorough approach.

widely

Indicates something is prevalent or common.

on an extensive level

Similar to "on a large scale", but emphasizes the reach and scope.

on a comprehensive level

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of something.

significantly

Emphasizes the impact or importance of the action or situation.

on a sweeping scale

Emphasizes the broad and far-reaching nature of the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "on a substantial scale" in a sentence?

Use "on a substantial scale" to describe actions or changes that have a significant or widespread impact. For example, "The company invested in renewable energy "on a substantial scale" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "on a substantial scale"?

You can use alternatives such as "on a large scale", "to a considerable extent", or "significantly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on a substantial scale" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a substantial scale" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in professional, academic, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "on a large scale" and "on a substantial scale"?

While similar, "on a large scale" often refers to physical size or scope, whereas "on a substantial scale" emphasizes the significance or impact. You might use “on a large scale” to describe a construction project and “on a substantial scale” to describe an economic reform.