Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
substantial import
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "substantial import" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has significant importance or meaning in a particular context. Example: "The findings of this research carry substantial import for the future of environmental policy."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(15)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
The 2 percent drop took the Indian currency's decline since early May to 20 percent, raising worries about the impact it will have on the country's substantial import bills and on an already large current account deficit.
News & Media
In the occupational health setting, codes developed by international agencies have substantial import on protecting working populations from harm.
Science
It is appealing to give substantial import to these metrics because some of them show levels of statistical significance that may not easily be dismissed.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
As demand for natural gas soars, substantial imports of it will also be required, even though 90% of current consumption is met from domestic output.
News & Media
In a new joint report, the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization said that North Korea, even after substantial imports, would have a shortfall in staple crops — mostly rice, grains and soybeans — of more than half a million tons.
News & Media
Iran is 90% self-sufficient in essential agricultural products, although limited rice production leads to substantial imports.
Wiki
The biogenesis of chloroplasts requires substantial protein import from the cytosol.
Science
Replacing diesel power generators in remote cell-phone towers and rural industries with small scale bio-mass would relieve the country of a substantial oil imports tab -- at a much lower price.
News & Media
There is also a substantial difference between import and export functions for consumption goods: the number of inhabitants representative of import is replaced by the number of employees for the export.
Watergate was a true scandal of substantial and lasting import.
News & Media
Countries that import substantial amounts of animal feed made from corn and soybeans will feel the impact the most, said Maximo Torero, an economist with the International Food Policy Research Institute, an international research group.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "substantial import" when you want to emphasize that something carries significant weight or importance in a more formal or academic context.
Common error
Avoid using "substantial import" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "very important" or "significant" are often more appropriate.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "substantial import" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "import". It describes something having considerable importance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "substantial import" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that indicates something of considerable importance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its frequency is rare, it is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, suggesting a formal or semi-formal register. When considering alternatives, phrases like "significant importance" or "considerable significance" may also be appropriate. While the number of instances is limited, sources such as The New York Times and The Economist contribute to the phrase's credibility. Therefore, its usage should be confined to formal writing and speech.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
significant importance
Replaces "substantial import" with a more common synonym, focusing on the level of importance.
considerable significance
Highlights the notable degree of importance, similar to "substantial import".
major consequence
Shifts the focus to the result or effect of something being important.
great weight
Emphasizes the influence or impact that something carries.
notable relevance
Highlights the pertinence and importance of something to a particular context.
profound effect
Stresses the deep and far-reaching impact of something.
marked influence
Underscores the noticeable impact or power something has.
serious implications
Focuses on the potential outcomes or ramifications of something.
material impact
Highlights the tangible or concrete effect of something.
critical value
Emphasizes the essential or indispensable nature of something.
FAQs
How can I use "substantial import" in a sentence?
"Substantial import" is used to describe something with significant importance or meaning. For example, "The findings of this study carry "substantial import" for future research."
What can I say instead of "substantial import"?
You can use alternatives like "significant importance", "considerable significance", or "great weight" depending on the specific context.
Is "substantial import" a formal phrase?
Yes, "substantial import" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. Simpler terms are often preferred in informal contexts.
What's the difference between "substantial import" and "substantial impact"?
"Substantial import" refers to the significance or meaning of something, while "substantial impact" refers to the effect or influence something has. They are related but not interchangeable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested