something of substance

USAGE SUMMARY

"something of substance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about something tangible or meaningful, like a physical object or an idea. For example, "The politician discussed something of substance at the press conference, proposing a plan to reduce inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But I had come here to do something of substance.

The New York Times

We have to deal with something of substance".

The New York Times

"At the heart people value authenticity, trust, something of substance.

The Guardian

"I've been searching for confidence, real confidence, something of substance.

The Guardian - Music

The key is that you want something of substance behind the bed to anchor it".

The New York Times

She had apparently hoped that Trump would "talk about something of substance".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This desire for direction and purposefulness also surfaces in "Keepers", where the poet finds himself admiring beekeepers, envious of their cultivating "something / of substance, with a taste and use, obvious to anyone".

The Guardian - Books

"We are going to regret not knowing the color for tomorrow," she said but cautioned the alternate jurors to contact the court if they were approached by anyone about the case — or even if a friend or family member "blurts something out of substance".

The New York Times

"It will be something of real substance for daytime".

The Guardian

Parfitt added that the show would offer "something of real substance" for daytime and described it as a "Panorama for young people".

The Guardian

Even when she's off her lines, she's on top of her character, and she demonstrates how an expert can turn surface silliness into something of real substance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something of substance" when you want to emphasize the importance, value, or meaningfulness of an idea, object, or action.

Common error

Avoid using "something of substance" in very casual or informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Opt for more direct phrasing like "something important" or "something valuable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something of substance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to an idea, action, or object that possesses significant value, importance, or meaning, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something of substance" is a phrase used to convey the significance, value, or meaningfulness of an object, idea, or action. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal settings, avoiding overuse in overly casual conversations. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "something meaningful" or "something valuable" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuff of substance

Replaces "something" with "stuff", emphasizing the material or content aspect.

matter of substance

Highlights that something is important and deserving of attention.

issue of substance

Focuses on a specific problem or topic that is significant.

point of substance

Highlights a particular argument or idea that carries weight.

something of value

Replaces "substance" with "value", focusing on the worth or benefit.

offering of substance

Emphasizes that something valuable or meaningful is being presented.

bit of substance

Indicates a small but important element or detail.

something meaningful

Highlights importance and purpose.

someone of substance

Refers to a person with significant character or achievements.

everything of substance

Highlights when everything in a context has importance.

FAQs

How can I use "something of substance" in a sentence?

You can use "something of substance" to describe anything that has significant value or importance. For example, "The project needs to deliver "something of substance" to justify its cost".

What can I say instead of "something of substance"?

You can use alternatives like "something meaningful", "something important", or "something valuable" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "something of substance" or "something with substance"?

"Something of substance" and "something with substance" are generally interchangeable. However, "something of substance" is more common and idiomatic. The nuance is very similar.

When is it appropriate to use "something of substance" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "something of substance" when you want to emphasize that something is not trivial, superficial, or without merit. It is suitable for formal and professional contexts.