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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
substantial criteria
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "substantial criteria" is not correct in standard English usage.
The term "criteria" is already plural, so it should be paired with a singular term like "substantial criterion" or simply "substantial." Example: "The substantial criterion for evaluating the proposals is their cost-effectiveness."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Analogous properties of (what on substantial criteria is) slash logic are discussed in Sandu (2007) and Mann et al. (2011); recall Hodges's distinction between independence friendly logic and slash logic (see the beginning of Sect. 3).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
A substantial criterion for the efficient use of this wood harvesting combination is the accumulation of wood in the cable corridor.
Interestingly, such a dynamic, diet induced change of UMH excretion may serve in future as a substantial criterion to identify patients with GMA and to differentiate such patients from above mentioned disease conditions with persistently enhanced UMH excretion [ 14, 16].
Science
However, these engineered vessels have substantial performance criteria, including vessel-like tubular shape, structure and mechanical property slate.
Science
Because the clinical, regulatory, and economic impact of active control noninferiority trials is substantial, robust criteria should be used routinely in their design, analysis, and interpretation to reach their intended objectives and to keep them from becoming wasted efforts.
Substantial inclusion criteria was the relationship to the "techno scene".
Science
Personally, I can argue against approval for CV efficacy indication, because superiority for MACE was not prespecified in the hierarchical testing plan; effect size was not c/w substantial effectiveness criterion; and in sensitivity analyses, 4 out of 6 analyses failed to be significant.
News & Media
The review shows substantial discrepancies between criteria reported for mould growth.
Google responded by developing substantial processes and criteria internally for responding to requests, and established an independent advisory panel of legal and ethical experts that toured seven European cities on an evidence-gathering tour.
News & Media
The engine then compares the two based on a pretty substantial list of criteria (screen size, battery size, support for various technology, number of available apps etc)., presented in a fairly easy to understand way.
News & Media
The law requires a detailed finding that Black's record is the "substantial equivalent" of criteria for State superintendent certification.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "substantial" with singular nouns like "criterion" or opt for synonyms like "significant standards" or "important benchmarks" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Avoid using "substantial" with the word "criteria", as "criteria" is already the plural form. Instead, use "substantial criterion" if referring to a single standard, or rephrase using alternatives like "significant standards".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "substantial criteria" functions as an adjective-noun combination intending to describe the significance or importance of certain standards. However, Ludwig highlights the grammatical preference for singular "criterion" or alternative plural phrasings.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "substantial criteria" appears in various contexts, it's often considered grammatically questionable due to the plural nature of "criteria". Ludwig suggests using "substantial criterion" for a singular standard or opting for alternatives like "significant standards" or "important benchmarks" to enhance clarity and correctness. The phrase is mostly found in scientific and academic writing, but adopting the suggested alternatives can ensure more precise and grammatically sound communication, as also indicated by Ludwig's assessment.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
significant standards
Replaces 'substantial' with 'significant' while retaining the plural 'criteria' implying multiple standards.
important benchmarks
Substitutes both 'substantial' and 'criteria' for synonyms, highlighting the importance of the benchmarks.
key requirements
Replaces 'substantial' with 'key' and 'criteria' with 'requirements', emphasizing essential needs.
major considerations
Uses 'major' instead of 'substantial' and 'considerations' in place of 'criteria' focusing on important points.
critical indicators
Employs 'critical' for 'substantial' and 'indicators' for 'criteria', underscoring essential signs.
essential guidelines
Substitutes 'substantial' with 'essential' and 'criteria' with 'guidelines', highlighting necessary directions.
primary metrics
Replaces 'substantial' with 'primary' and 'criteria' with 'metrics', focusing on key measurements.
fundamental principles
Uses 'fundamental' instead of 'substantial' and 'principles' in place of 'criteria' highlighting basic rules.
core values
Replaces 'criteria' and 'substantial' with the single phrase 'core values', implying deeply held standards.
basic tenets
Substitute both words for a more formal-sounding alternative meaning fundamental beliefs.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "substantial" with "criterion" or "criteria"?
Since "criteria" is plural, it's grammatically preferable to say "significant standards" or "important benchmarks". If you mean a single standard, use "substantial criterion".
Is it wrong to say "substantial criteria"?
While sometimes used, "substantial criteria" is not considered grammatically correct by many because "criteria" is already plural. Consider rephrasing for clarity.
What are some alternatives to "substantial criteria"?
You can use alternatives like "significant standards", "important benchmarks", or "key requirements" depending on the context.
When should I use "substantial criterion" instead of "substantial criteria"?
Use "substantial criterion" when you are referring to a single, important standard. For multiple standards, avoid "substantial criteria" and choose alternatives like "significant standards".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested