substantial house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial house" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a large or impressive house, often implying that it is well-built and sturdy. Example: Despite its small size, the town boasted several substantial houses with elegant architecture and expansive gardens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That means reforming council tax, which hits the poorest hardest, and a substantial house building programme.

The Guardian - Money

The New Yorker, April 15 , 1939P. 74 Cabdriver pointed to a large, substantial house.

The New Yorker

By Homer McCoy The New Yorker, April 15 , 1939P. 74 Cabdriver pointed to a large, substantial house.

The New Yorker

Robert Lincoln already owned a substantial house in Chicago when he built Hildene, a mansion with 24 rooms.

The New York Times - Arts

At about the time of his birth, the family moved into a substantial house at nearby Lissoy, where Oliver spent his childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, we have entered an era where different polling firms — including Public Policy Polling — have substantial "house effects" or partisan leans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

An engraving of the time shows it to have been a substantial square house with three storeys and dormers.

Wikipedia

In 1935, Hubert Rochereau's parents bequeathed their substantial mansion house in Bélâbre to a military friend, General Eugène Bridoux, on the express condition that their late son's room would remain untouched and unchanged for 500 years.

The Guardian

Beyond them, substantial houses sit back from the thoroughfares.

The Economist

Intermingled with the smaller colonials are many substantial houses.

The New York Times

Recipients also receive a substantial housing stipend, adjusted for local conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate, use "substantial house" to convey not just size, but also a sense of quality and permanence. It's more evocative than simply saying "large house".

Common error

While "substantial house" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "big house" or "nice house" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial house" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "house". It indicates a house of considerable size, quality, or importance. This phrase is frequently used to describe real estate, historical buildings, or family homes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial house" signifies more than just a large dwelling; it implies quality, permanence, and a certain level of impressiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various reliable sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and even scientific articles. While it's a common phrase, it's most effective when you want to convey a sense of solidity and significance beyond mere size. When choosing alternatives, consider whether you want to emphasize size ("large house"), impressiveness ("impressive house"), or solidity ("sturdy house"). Using "substantial house" in your writing adds depth and precision, painting a more vivid picture for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large house

Focuses on the size of the house.

sizeable house

Similar to "large house", but may imply a more considerable size.

impressive house

Highlights the house's ability to create a positive impression.

grand house

Indicates a house that is luxurious and imposing.

sturdy house

Emphasizes the house's solid construction and durability.

imposing residence

A more formal way to describe a house that commands attention.

well-built house

Focuses on the quality of construction and craftsmanship.

significant house

Suggests a house that is important or noteworthy.

commodious dwelling

A more formal term for a house with ample space.

palatial home

Implies a house of extreme luxury and size, like a palace.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The family moved from a small apartment to a "substantial house" in the suburbs" or "The first substantial house was built in the 17th century."

What's a less formal alternative to "substantial house"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "large house", "big house", or even "nice house" as less formal alternatives.

Is "substantial house" the same as "large house"?

While similar, "substantial house" implies more than just size. It suggests a house that is well-built, sturdy, and possibly impressive, whereas "large house" only refers to the size.

Can "substantial house" refer to a historical building?

Yes, "substantial house" can certainly refer to a historical building, especially if it's well-preserved and of significant size or importance, and if it is "well-built house".