substantial intellect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial intellect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a significant or considerable level of intelligence or mental capacity. Example: "Her substantial intellect allows her to solve complex problems with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Greenspan should use his substantial intellect and unsurpassed knowledge of government to ascertain and explain exactly how he and other officials missed the boat.

The New York Times

And the tragic death of Paula Yates, in September 2000, gave us pause to recognise that someone derided as an icon of all that was vacuous and silly about modern celebrity was masking a substantial intellect.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Grove has since devoted his substantial wealth and intellect to research on two diseases for which he's been diagnosed during his life — prostate cancer and Parkinson's.

Independent

cit., pp. 39 72, taking the developmental explanation of Avicenna's views propounded by Gutas (see the preceding note), considers Avicenna as affirming, in his later compositions, a more substantial role for the individual intellect in abstraction, the active intellect's emanative activity being much diminished, if not absent entirely.

SEP

Albert's view of the procession of the universe from the "substantial light" of the divine intellect through the operation of a hierarchy of lesser intelligences is clearly perceptible in Dante's treatment of the cosmic intelligenze or sostanze separate in the Convivio [Conv. 2.4 5; Nardi (1992), 47 62].

SEP

Light produces both immaterial and substantial lights, such as immaterial intellects (angels), human and animal souls.

SEP

In the Long Commentary, Averroes retains the separate, i.e., immaterial yet substantial nature of the material and Agent intellects, and their relation of potential to actual intelligibility.

SEP

The complexion disposes the matter to receive the substantial form of the compound from the active intellect, the giver of forms (dator formarum) (The Healing: Physics I.10, On generation 6).

SEP

From this viewpoint, according to which the passive intellect has to be considered a substantial form, it is evident that it has a beginning in time, but certainly not an end, and that, like any other material substantial form, it is multiplied according to the multiplication of bodies (In Metaph., book XII, tr. 1, chap. 3, fol. 427ra b).

SEP

He is a substantial, mustached man, whose initial gruffness belies a sprightly intellect.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the formation of a substantial amount of knowledge, or in Farabian terms, a strong acquired intellect, is that which forms and enriches us, creating a substance that in its immateriality resembles the Agent Intellect.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding whether to use the phrase "substantial intellect," consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In formal contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of respect and admiration for someone's mental prowess.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial intellect" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler, more natural alternatives like "very smart" or "highly intelligent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial intellect" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate a high degree of intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct, albeit not particularly common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial intellect" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with significant intelligence. While confirmed as correct by Ludwig, its relative infrequency suggests it's best suited for formal contexts, as seen in News & Media or Scientific publications. When writing, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Consider using related phrases like "considerable intelligence" or "remarkable cognitive ability" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct but not so widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable intelligence

Replaces "intellect" with "intelligence", a more common synonym, slightly altering the tone.

high level of intelligence

A more direct and less nuanced way of expressing significant intelligence.

significant mental capacity

Uses more technical and less common words to mean the same.

remarkable cognitive ability

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of intellect, adding a scientific nuance.

profound understanding

Shifts the focus from general intellect to deep comprehension.

exceptional intellectual capability

Adds emphasis by using "exceptional" and "capability", increasing the formality.

formidable mental acuity

Uses stronger adjectives to convey a sense of impressive sharpness and clarity of mind.

extensive knowledge

Focuses on the breadth of knowledge rather than the capacity for thought.

deep intellectual resources

Implies a well of knowledge and thinking skills to draw upon.

powerful reasoning ability

Highlights the capacity for logical and critical thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial intellect" to describe someone with a significant level of intelligence. For example: "Her "substantial intellect" allowed her to excel in her studies".

What are some synonyms for "substantial intellect"?

Alternatives to "substantial intellect" include "considerable intelligence", "significant mental capacity", or "remarkable cognitive ability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "substantial intellect" or "high intelligence"?

"Substantial intellect" and "high intelligence" are similar, but "substantial intellect" implies a more grounded and well-developed intelligence, while "high intelligence" is a more general term.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "substantial intellect"?

The phrase "substantial intellect" is most appropriate in formal or academic writing when you want to emphasize the depth and breadth of someone's intelligence. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.