substantial book

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial book" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to describe a book that is significant in size or scope of content. For example, you could say, "I'm preparing for a research paper on the history of the Mongol Empire, so I'm looking for a substantial book to use as a reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He never systematised his ideas in a substantial book.

The Economist

In November Ruskin went abroad again, this time to Venice to research a more substantial book on architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shaw finished the work in the summer of 1902 and it was published as a substantial book in August 1903.

The Guardian

The only substantial book fully devoted to the space, issued in 1981, is long out of print, and used copies sell for more than $100.

The New York Times - Books

This is just one take on Ms. Walker's work; many are possible, and several are advanced in the exhibition catalog, a substantial book, published by M.I.T. Press.

The New York Times - Arts

His book remains a slapdash if intermittently absorbing collection, a volume published, the reader hopes, simply to mark time between "Fast Food Nation" and another more substantial book.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Darwin researched and wrote 10 substantial books at Down House.

The Guardian - Books

He wrote feeble verses, and at least two other substantial books.

The New York Times - Books

Yet even as he has written seven substantial books in 12 years, Eggers has also established his own publishing house, bristling with attitude and backward-looking invention.

The New York Times - Books

Economists like Lester C. Thurow, Dani Rodrik and Barry Eichengreen have written substantial books on the subject, while businessmen like George Soros and Bill Gates have offered their own assessments of our economic future.

The New York Times - Books

Two decades passed before the publication of The Origin of Species (in which the word "evolution" does not appear) and in that time its author wrote several substantial books.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial book" when you want to emphasize that a book is not just any book, but one that is significant in size, scope, or depth.

Common error

While "substantial book" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "big book" or "long book" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial book" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" is an adjective modifying the noun "book". It describes a book that is significant or considerable in size, content, or importance, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial book" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a book of considerable size, scope, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the significance of the book, often in neutral to professional contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific writing. While acceptable in many settings, it might be replaced by simpler terms in casual conversation. Remember to use "a substantial book", not "an substantial book", and to reserve this phrase for books that genuinely merit the descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant book

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the book.

comprehensive book

Highlights the book's thoroughness and completeness.

detailed book

Focuses on the level of detail and intricacy within the book.

extensive book

Stresses the book's breadth and scope.

thorough book

Similar to comprehensive, but with an emphasis on careful examination.

lengthy book

Draws attention to the book's physical size or duration.

weighty tome

Implies both physical weight and intellectual depth.

in-depth study

Shifts the focus to the book's function as an analytical work.

major work

Highlights the book's overall significance and impact.

important study

Similar to significant book, but used to highlight the scholastic importance

FAQs

How can I use "substantial book" in a sentence?

You might say, "For my research, I need a "substantial book" on the history of Rome" or "Her latest novel is a "substantial book", weighing in at over 600 pages".

What's a less formal alternative to "substantial book"?

In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "big book", "long read", or "thick volume" instead of ""substantial book"".

Is "substantial book" a subjective term?

Yes, the perception of what constitutes a ""substantial book"" can vary. It depends on the genre, the reader's expectations, and the context of the discussion. A "substantial book" for children will differ in length and complexity from a "substantial book" on quantum physics.

Which is correct: "a substantial book" or "an substantial book"?

The correct usage is "a "substantial book"". The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.