substantial damages

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial damages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the severity of a legal judgment or settlement in a court case. For example, "The court ordered the defendant to pay substantial damages for breaking the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She successfully obtained an apology from the hospital and substantial damages for the family.

The Guardian

I am sure the lawyers were right and that we would have secured substantial damages".

The Guardian

Tells why the A.C.L.U., who argued the case for the Halperins, sought substantial damages.

The New Yorker

He is alleging that his privacy was invaded and wants "very substantial" damages.

The Guardian

Instead, the footballer was left to seek substantial damages and a final, permanent injunction.

The Guardian

Apologies, costs and very substantial damages (estimated at £350,000) followed.

The Guardian

It apologised for the distress and embarrassment caused, agreeing to pay substantial damages and legal costs.

Independent

But if Doty awards substantial damages, it could sway leverage toward players.

The New York Times - Sports

'We believe we have a strong case of breach of copyright, and we will be demanding substantial damages.

The Guardian

Jefferies, who had no involvement with the killing, won "substantial damages" from eight newspapers over libellous coverage of the arrest.

The Guardian

In the view of this writer, actions brought against managed care entities should insist on substantial damages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal cases, use "substantial damages" to clearly convey the significant amount of money awarded, avoiding vague terms like "some damages" or "a settlement".

Common error

Avoid using "substantial damages" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It's a legal term best suited for formal or professional settings. Instead, opt for simpler language like "a lot of money" or "a large sum".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial damages" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "damages". It refers to a significant amount of money awarded in a legal case as compensation for harm or loss. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial damages" is a noun phrase denoting a significant financial compensation in legal contexts. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, finding use primarily in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When writing, it's advisable to use this phrase in formal contexts, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives include "significant compensation" and "large monetary award". The high source quality and expert rating underscore its reliability and validity in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant compensation

Focuses on the compensatory aspect, implying a considerable amount.

considerable financial settlement

Highlights the financial aspect and the resolution of a dispute.

large monetary award

Emphasizes the size and official nature of the financial compensation.

generous payout

Suggests a more favorable or unexpected large payment.

significant restitution

Focuses on restoring what was lost, with an emphasis on the amount.

sizeable settlement

Highlights the considerable amount agreed upon to resolve a legal dispute.

major financial redress

Emphasizes the correction of a financial wrong with a substantial amount.

significant financial remedy

Highlights the legal solution to a financial issue involving a large sum.

ample compensation

Implies that the compensation is more than sufficient.

extensive monetary relief

Highlights the breadth and impact of the financial assistance provided.

FAQs

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

"Substantial damages" is typically used in legal contexts. For example, "The court awarded the plaintiff "substantial damages" for the defendant's negligence."

What are some synonyms for "substantial damages"?

Alternatives include "significant compensation", "considerable financial settlement", or "large monetary award" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial damages" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "substantial damages" is a formal term. In casual contexts, it's better to use phrases like "a lot of money" or "a large sum".

What distinguishes "substantial damages" from "punitive damages"?

"Substantial damages" refers to the amount awarded to compensate for actual losses. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious conduct. They are not necessarily related; you can have "substantial damages" without punitive damages, and vice versa.