substantial figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable amount, often in contexts related to finance, statistics, or demographics. Example: "The report indicated that the company had made a substantial figure in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"That's a pretty substantial figure".

The New York Times

"It's a substantial figure," she said.

The Guardian

Rice, of course, is a much more substantial figure.

The Washington Post

The firm reported almost 500 million video streams in its news and information category in September — still a substantial figure.

The New York Times

He is the town's most substantial figure, at least around the waist.

The Economist

He acted with dignity and recognisable principle last week, the only substantial figure in the cabinet's gang of five (not six, Priti Patel is not a cabinet member).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The report does not provide substantial figures beyond the four-year budget estimates period.

The Guardian - Business

We are delighted to be able to appoint these three substantial figures from such a strong field".

The Guardian

They say it relies entirely on Mr. Khan's personal charisma and lacks any other substantial figures in its ranks.

The New York Times

That makes them substantial figures to the point where Mr. Connelly has to take periodic vacations from Harry Bosch in order to let him develop.

The New York Times - Books

Hovering behind the very substantial figures of a player from each team in contemporary uniform is the tall, ramrod-straight exemplary figure of General Douglas MacArthur, but it is presented hazily, like a spiritual presence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial figure" to describe a person, ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to their physical size, importance, or influence. For numerical values, ensure the context is clear and the figure's significance is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial figure" when a more specific term like "significant amount" or "influential person" would provide greater clarity. Always consider your audience and the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial figure" functions as a noun phrase where "substantial" modifies the noun "figure". Ludwig AI indicates it's a grammatically correct phrase used to denote significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial figure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the idea of a significant amount or an influential person. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure the context makes clear whether you're referring to a quantity or a person. Alternatives such as "considerable figure" or "significant amount" may be more precise depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable figure

Emphasizes the largeness or significance in amount or degree.

significant figure

Focuses on the importance or consequence of a person or number.

notable figure

Highlights the prominence and recognition of a person.

important person

Replaces 'figure' with a more general term for a person of significance.

major player

Used to describe someone with a significant role or influence in a particular field.

sizeable amount

Shifts the focus to a large quantity or extent, suitable for numerical contexts.

large quantity

A straightforward way to describe a significant numerical value.

appreciable number

Indicates a number large enough to be noticed or considered.

influential person

Highlights someone's capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

prominent individual

Emphasizes the person's fame or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial figure" to refer to a large amount or a person of considerable importance. For instance, "The company reported a substantial figure in profits this year," or "She is a substantial figure in the field of medicine".

What's the difference between "substantial figure" and "significant amount"?

"Substantial figure" can refer to both a quantity or a person, whereas "significant amount" typically refers only to quantities or values. The best choice depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "substantial figure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "considerable figure", "significant amount", "important person", or "major player".

Is it appropriate to use "substantial figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial figure" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, news reporting, and academic contexts. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and clarity of your writing.