substantial change

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial change" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation or system that has been significantly altered. For example, "The new policy was a substantial change from the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did they engineer substantial change?

The Guardian - Sport

"It will not bring any substantial change".

The New York Times

The remainder reported no substantial change.

The New York Times

The proposals were similar and resulted in substantial change.

The New York Times - Sports

They agree that the health care system requires substantial change.

The New York Times

This will be the most substantial change since the 1940s".

The Guardian

For more substantial change, Cuba insists on an end to the US embargo.

The Guardian

The most substantial change, though, is the introduction of guided tram tours around the grounds.

The New York Times

But he added that, without substantial change in Somalia, "the danger of piracy is always there".

The Guardian

"We're on the cusp of seeing a really substantial change," he added.

The New York Times

But more substantial change, Mr. Moore said, has been slow to come.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about processes or systems, use "substantial change" to indicate significant modifications, such as "The company implemented a substantial change to its marketing strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "substantial change" when the change is minor or incremental. Instead, reserve it for situations where the alteration is truly significant and impactful. For example, do not say "There was a substantial change in the font size" when "slight change" would be more appropriate.

How to use

Learn how to use "substantial change" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial change" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It signifies a significant alteration or modification. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial change" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies a significant alteration or modification. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct. It finds frequent use in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, and maintains a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "significant alteration" and "major adjustment". When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for truly impactful changes and avoid overuse in vague contexts. With its authoritative usage and consistent presence, "substantial change" serves as a reliable descriptor for meaningful modifications across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant alteration

Focuses on the act of altering something to a significant degree.

major adjustment

Highlights the idea of adjusting something in a big way.

considerable modification

Emphasizes that the modification is of a notable size or degree.

radical transformation

Suggests a complete and fundamental change.

profound shift

Implies a deep and impactful change in direction or perspective.

extensive revision

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the revision.

sweeping reform

Suggests a broad and far-reaching reform.

marked variation

Focuses on the noticeable difference that has occurred.

noticeable difference

Emphasizes the easiness to perceive the difference.

evident development

Highlights the obvious progression or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial change" to describe significant alterations, for example: "The new policy represents a "substantial change" in the company's approach."

What are some alternatives to "substantial change"?

Alternatives include "significant alteration", "major adjustment", or "radical transformation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "substantial change"?

Use "substantial change" when referring to a significant or considerable modification, shift, or reform. It's suitable when the alteration has a noticeable impact or effect.

Is there a difference between "substantial change" and "significant change"?

While both phrases convey importance, "substantial change" often emphasizes the degree or magnitude of the change, whereas "significant change" highlights the importance or impact of the change. They are often interchangeable but "substantial" emphasizes amount while "significant" emphasizes effect.