points of substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points of substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant or important aspects of a discussion, argument, or topic. Example: "During the meeting, we focused on the points of substance that would drive our project forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We cannot again allow negotiations on real points of substance to be hijacked in this way".

The New York Times

"People will look for links but the reality is there isn't any real read-across on points of substance," said one person familiar with Pfizer's thinking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The company refused to answer, saying: "We will not be commenting on any point of substance.

The Guardian

That is the only point of substance in the document now agreed by both parties as their framework for government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only point of substance in his response was the loss by women workers of 580,000 jobs in the Obama years, and the greater number of women in consequence now among the poor.

Huffington Post

Notably, another conventional end point of substance screening in nematode worms, namely analysis of the worm's life span, failed to highlight any specific NP-effects.

Plosone

The primary study for which the CAM data was derived was an interview study conducted on a systematic sample of subjects being treated for chronic pain to assess the point prevalence of substance use disorders and opioid addiction.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Interests: Reading; he claims he knows the boiling and melting points of most substances used in his company.

Forbes

Chromatographic separation occurs solely on the basis of the different boiling points of the substances separated.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

The methodology is based on different melting points of individual substances.

BioMed Research International

The consideration of data points instead of substances may further influence the result by a low number of chemicals with an extensive dataset of acute and chronic studies [6].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "points of substance" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the most critical and meaningful parts of a discussion or argument, rather than trivial details.

Common error

While "points of substance" is a valid phrase, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "key points" or "main ideas" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points of substance" functions as a noun phrase, identifying significant elements or issues within a discussion or topic. Ludwig suggests it refers to the core, essential aspects that warrant attention, emphasizing their importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "points of substance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to the most significant aspects of a discussion or topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to highlight essential issues requiring attention. While its usage is more common in formal contexts like news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, overuse in casual settings can sound unnatural. Consider using simpler alternatives like "key aspects" or "main ideas" in informal conversations to maintain a more relaxed tone. Pay attention to the frequency to avoid overuse and maintain writing style consistent with the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key aspects

Focuses on the most important elements but is more general than the original phrase.

significant issues

Emphasizes the importance and potential problems associated with the points.

important considerations

Highlights the elements that need to be carefully thought about.

critical elements

Stresses the necessity and importance of the components.

major themes

Highlights recurring and significant ideas or subjects.

substantial arguments

Focuses on the weight and validity of the presented arguments.

essential details

Emphasizes the necessity and relevance of specific information.

relevant factors

Highlights aspects that have a direct bearing on the matter at hand.

pivotal moments

Emphasizes the importance of specific points in time or events.

fundamental principles

Highlights basic beliefs or rules that are essential to the concept.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "points of substance" into a sentence?

You can use "points of substance" to highlight the most important elements of a discussion. For instance, "The debate focused on the "key aspects" of the proposal" or "We need to address the "critical elements" of the problem first."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "points of substance"?

Alternatives to "points of substance" include "key aspects", "significant issues", "important considerations", or "critical elements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "points of substance" a formal or informal expression?

"Points of substance" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "main points" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "points of substance" and "minor details"?

"Points of substance" refer to the most important and meaningful parts of a discussion or topic, whereas "minor details" refer to less important or trivial aspects. Focusing on the "essential details" ensures that you're addressing the core issues.