substantial detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of information or specifics about a subject or topic. Example: "The report provided substantial detail on the project's progress and outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

While the majority of plans mentioned most of the components, few included substantial detail and examples.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

The guide provides substantial detail but also makes narrowing and tailoring one's choice an easy, transparent, step-by-step process.

Harvard Business Review

On 1 March, the company will institute new "privacy policies" that will add substantial detail to the picture Google keeps of each user.

The Guardian - Tech

"It successfully anchors mitigation pledges of the Copenhagen Accord and builds on the transparency element of the accord with substantial detail and content".

The New York Times - Science

Previously, core, reactor and plant design concept of the European High Performance Light Water Reactor HPLWRR) have been worked out in substantial detail.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Acanthodian internal anatomy is primarily understood from Acanthodes bronni2,7,8,9,10 because it remains the only example preserved in substantial detail, central to which is an ostensibly osteichthyan braincase1,2,7.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

ORF has already released substantial details about the content of the TV interview with journalist Christoph Feurstein.

The Guardian

The Met's press bureau refused to put out substantial details of its policing plan, claiming it was not necessary for an event of the anticipated scale.

The Guardian

While there is broad support for establishing early-recruiting embargoes, there is, however, disagreement over substantial details within the new recruiting regulations.

The New York Times - Sports

By the time Mr. Wennerstrom was caught, he had supplied Moscow with substantial details of Sweden's air defense systems and passed on NATO secrets, which he had gathered as a Swedish air attaché in Washington between 1952 and 1957 and as a staff officer at the Defense Ministry.

The New York Times

Experiments on soft polycrystalline aluminum have yielded evidence that, besides the required punch load, both the size and shape of imprinted features are affected by the scale of the set-up, e.g. substantial details are lost when the characteristic length is on the order of 10μm.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "substantial detail", ensure the context supports the claim that the information provided is indeed significant and thorough. Avoid using it for trivial or superficial information.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial detail" when the information is only superficially detailed. Misusing the phrase can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for phrases like "some details" or "basic information" if the level of detail is not significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial detail" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "detail". It typically acts as a direct object or a complement, indicating the extent or depth of information provided, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial detail" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize a significant amount of information. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase aims to assure the audience of thoroughness and comprehensiveness in the information presented. While it is generally considered neutral to formal in register, avoiding overstatement and ensuring the detail is genuinely significant are key to its effective application. Alternatives like "considerable detail" and "in-depth information" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed account

Removes "substantial" for a slightly less emphatic but still informative tone.

significant specifics

Replaces "detail" with "specifics" emphasizing particular items or aspects, while retaining the sense of importance.

ample specifics

Highlights that specifics are abundant.

considerable particulars

Uses "particulars" instead of "detail" offering a more formal tone.

extensive elaboration

Focuses on the act of expanding upon something, rather than the information itself.

in-depth information

Highlights the depth of the information provided, shifting the focus from the quantity of detail to its thoroughness.

comprehensive data

Emphasizes the completeness and scope of the information.

exhaustive account

Stresses that the explanation is thorough and complete.

material facts

Replaces 'detail' with 'facts', stressing information's objectivity and significance.

thorough exposition

Focuses on the clarity and completeness of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial detail" to describe the amount of information provided about a topic. For example, "The report provided substantial detail regarding the financial implications of the merger."

What are some alternatives to "substantial detail"?

Alternatives include "considerable detail", "in-depth information", or "extensive elaboration depending on the context".

Is it redundant to say "very substantial detail"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very substantial detail" can be redundant. "Substantial" already implies a significant amount, so adding "very" might not add much meaning. Consider using just "substantial detail" or choosing a stronger alternative phrase.

What's the difference between "substantial detail" and "minor details"?

"Substantial detail" refers to significant and important information, whereas "minor details" refers to trivial or less important aspects. The level of importance and impact of the information differs significantly.