substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often referring to the essential nature or material of something. Example: "The substance of her argument was compelling and well-researched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly, it is typical of the smears coming from those who would rather not debate policy and substance".

The Guardian

Sadly it is typical of the smears coming from those who would rather not debate policy and substance," Shapps said.

The Guardian

When you hear the words "pasta salad", it's hard not to think of those little tubs at the supermarket, bound in a mayonnaise-like substance, the pasta overcooked and chilled to a tasteless mush.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I frankly think that her time has passed, and I think there are much better candidates out there with a lot more substance, a lot more ability and a lot more drive," he said.

The Guardian

"I do not think he will ever be able to come back to the United States no matter how popular he might come to be, and I think there is much more support for him month by month as people come to realise how little substance in the charges that he caused harm to us.

The Guardian

I do not feel the sublime when I look at a city, however impressive it might be in proportion and shadow, for the reason that a city is designed, in its substance it has been formally determined, and it has been named already by the fact of its creation.

The Guardian - Books

Hull then came in for him but injuries and suspension meant that he showed more skill than substance, so he spent time at Sydney FC, Carlisle again, and MK Dons, before another move to Australia – this time permanently.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain's most senior auditor, who set up a judge-led review into the "sweetheart" multimillion-pound tax deals between HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and corporations, appeared to undermine the process before it began by telling the country's most senior tax official that the inquiry would find "nothing of substance".

The Guardian

I wanted to be on the substance of the policy, not playing "gotcha".

The Guardian

The Environment Department said the substance of threats to the Tasmanian devil was covered in its briefings to Burke, even if the official conservation advice did not pass his desk.

The Guardian

I regret that my question could be misinterpreted, and that it enabled many to ignore the substance of the question – and Putin's evasive response – in order to speculate, wildly and incorrectly, about my motives for asking it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the importance of an idea or argument, use "substance" to emphasize its meaningful content rather than superficial aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "substance" when "instance" (a specific occurrence) is more appropriate. "Substance" refers to the essential nature or material, not a single example.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "substance" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to a physical matter, the essential part of something, or material possessions, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "substance" is a versatile noun widely used across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in news, business, and scientific domains. When writing, use "substance" to emphasize the essential content or material of something and avoid confusion with similar words like "instance". Remember that while versatile, it is important to choose more suitable terms depending on your specific goal. Ludwig's examples and related phrases can provide further guidance for accurate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essence

Focuses on the intrinsic nature or quality, a more philosophical take on the core content.

material

Refers more directly to the physical composition of something.

content

Highlights the information or subject matter contained within something.

gist

Captures the main point or essential part of a communication.

core

Emphasizes the central or most important part of something.

heart

Similar to core but can suggest emotional or vital importance.

subject matter

Specifically denotes the topic being discussed or treated.

subject

Highlights the main topic of discussion, often in a more academic sense.

resources

Implies available assets or means, often in a financial or material sense.

properties

Highlights distinct qualities or characteristics, particularly in scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "substance" in a sentence?

You can use "substance" to refer to the essential nature of something. For example, "The "substance of the argument" was compelling" or "The "substance of the matter" is that we need more funding".

What words can I use instead of "substance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "essence", "content", "material", or "core".

What's the difference between "substance" and "essence"?

"Substance" often refers to the physical or tangible material, while "essence" refers to the intrinsic nature or defining characteristic of something.

Is it correct to use "substance" when referring to drugs?

Yes, "substance" is commonly used to refer to drugs, especially in the context of "substance abuse" or "controlled "substance"".