substantial debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial debt" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an amount of debt that is large and meaningful. For example, "After graduating from college, Lucy was burdened with substantial debt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have substantial debt.

The New York Times

This would provide substantial debt relief and might create a positive dynamic.

University of California, Berkeley

The result was a profitable season last year and a chipping away at substantial debt.

The New York Times

True, it owes a substantial debt to the documentary realism of Ken Loach.

The Guardian - Film

Behind the glamour, though, the couple were racking up substantial debt.

The Washington Post

Mr. Lee's campaign raised more than $1.7 million but still amassed substantial debt.

The New York Times

He was committed to retiring the Democratic National Committee's substantial debt following the 1996 election.

The New York Times

The deal would also provide substantial debt relief for Ireland and Portugal.

The New York Times

"When they become graduates they will become people with a substantial debt to repay – or not repay".

The Guardian

Her student health insurance paid up to its $25,000 annual limit, leaving her with substantial debt.

The New York Times - Sports

This substantial debt reduction provides Future with additional head room under the group's credit facility for further strategic digital investment.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial situations, use "substantial debt" to accurately convey that the amount of debt is significant and could impact decisions or stability.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial debt" when the amount is relatively small, as it can create unnecessary alarm or misrepresent the actual financial standing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial debt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "debt". It describes the magnitude or significance of the debt. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial debt" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant amount of debt. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing and formal business communication. While synonymous with phrases like "considerable debt" and "significant debt", it is crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring the debt genuinely warrants such a description. As Ludwig AI confirms, understanding and using "substantial debt" correctly enhances clarity and precision in financial discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable debt

Emphasizes the size and noteworthiness of the debt.

significant debt

Highlights the importance and impact of the debt.

large debt

A more straightforward and less formal way to describe the amount of debt.

major debt

Implies the debt is a serious issue and of considerable size.

sizeable debt

Similar to large debt but slightly more formal.

heavy debt

Focuses on the burden and difficulty associated with the debt.

extensive debt

Suggests the debt is widespread or affects many aspects of a financial situation.

appreciable debt

Implies the debt is noticeable and worth considering.

onerous debt

Highlights the oppressiveness and difficulty in managing the debt.

significant financial obligation

Replaces the word "debt" with a more generic description of a financial commitment, with a minor change in the semantic meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial debt" to describe a significant amount of money owed, for instance: "The company accumulated "substantial debt" due to the economic downturn".

What are some synonyms for "substantial debt"?

Alternatives include "considerable debt", "significant debt", or "large debt", depending on the context and the degree of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial debt" in a formal setting?

Yes, "substantial debt" is appropriate for formal settings. It is often used in business, finance, and academic contexts to objectively describe a significant financial obligation.

What's the difference between "substantial debt" and "minor debt"?

"Substantial debt" refers to a large, impactful amount, while "minor debt" indicates a smaller, less significant financial obligation. The choice depends on accurately representing the amount in question.