substantial following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial following" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant number of supporters or fans, often in the context of social media, public figures, or movements. Example: "The author has built a substantial following on social media, attracting readers from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

These services and others gained a substantial following.

The New York Times

But neither the book nor the film has found a substantial following in the States yet.

The New York Times - Books

Beastie Boys, American hip-hop and rock group, the first white rap performers to gain a substantial following.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the space of a year it has developed a substantial following, receiving more than 500,000 visitors in just 12 months.

The Guardian - Books

The 57-year-old's no-holds-barred approach has earned his Twitter account, @ikhide, a substantial following, many of whom are political officials awaiting his next tirade.

The Guardian

They seem to have a substantial following because the very visible Off the Wall is often packed and has been virtually from its opening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Websites such as Bella Caledonia and Wings Over Scotland have gained substantial followings.

The Guardian

There have been recent media reports that the I.S.I. has pressured some politicians with substantial followings to join Khan's party.

The New Yorker

But his satirical baton is still carried by a younger generation of cartoonists and writers who push social and (sometimes) political boundaries in a few daring websites, magazines – or to their own substantial followings on Facebook.

The Guardian

Music is dominated by the young, even in the a cappella world, where collegiate groups have substantial followings, but the women of Thokoza ("happiness" or "joyfulness" in Zulu) defy those expectations.

The New York Times - Arts

Gregory Bond, a Ph.D. candidate in history at the University of Wisconsin, delivered the first paper of his career: "The Segregation of Professional Baseball in Kansas, 1895-1899," a surprisingly lively account of the travails of the state's black ballplayers, many of them local stars with substantial followings.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial following", ensure the context clearly defines what the following consists of (e.g., fans, supporters, readers) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid overstating the size or influence of a "substantial following". Verify the numbers or impact to ensure the description is accurate and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial following" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "following". It describes the size or amount of the following. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial following" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant number of people who support or are interested in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature and scope of the "following" to maintain clarity and avoid overstating its impact. Alternatives like "large fanbase" or "considerable audience" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant following

Uses a different adjective but maintains the same core meaning and intensity.

extensive following

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the following.

sizeable following

Focuses on the size of the following.

large fanbase

Focuses on the 'fan' aspect, implying active support and enthusiasm.

wide following

Stresses the widespread nature of the support or interest.

impressive following

Highlights the admirable quality of the following.

considerable audience

Highlights the size of the audience, emphasizing reach and viewership.

sizable audience

Focuses on the size of the audience.

appreciable following

Indicates a following that is easily noticed and worth considering.

notable following

Highlights the fact that the following is worthy of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial following" to describe someone or something that has attracted a significant number of supporters, like in the sentence, "The band has built a "substantial following" through their online presence".

What are some alternatives to "substantial following"?

Alternatives include "large fanbase", "considerable audience", or "significant following", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "substantial following" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and descriptive term that can be used in various contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and business documents.

What's the difference between "substantial following" and "large following"?

While similar, "substantial following" implies a more significant or noteworthy size than just a "large following". "Substantial" suggests the following has a noticeable impact or influence.