substantial man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is significant, important, or has a considerable presence or influence in a particular context. Example: "In the meeting, he was recognized as a substantial man in the industry, whose opinions carried great weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The crowd is coming back, said Bobby, a substantial man with a mustache.

The New York Times

The world's leading expert on ketchup's early years is Andrew F. Smith, a substantial man, well over six feet, with a graying mustache and short wavy black hair.

The New Yorker

High point: A heaving version of Spying Glass that segued into an equally substantial Man Next Door had everyone up and dancing.

The Guardian - Music

Though he is a tall and substantial man, Nilsson's round, pink cheeks and winning smile emphasise his other boyish qualities: enthusiasm, curiosity, cheerful amiability, impatience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because that photo circulating on the Internet of a substantial man's underwear, that is in fact me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He tosses a sheepish grin and gives a wide berth to the group of substantial men.

The New York Times

It is promoted and financed by a group of substantial men including William Morring, theatrical agent, Julien Levey; Edward James, art collector.

The New Yorker

Its chief executive, Federico Marchetti, says men's wear sales are growing in all the group's stores, including Yoox.com, the multibrand site that offers a substantial men's selection; TheCorner.com, a men's-only site introduced in 2008; and dozens of monobrand online stores that the group operates for designers from Armani to Zegna.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Preference heterogeneity was substantial, with men with higher educational levels having a lower probability to opt for PC screening than men with lower educational levels.

British Journal of Cancer

Only fairly recently has research become focused enough to produce substantial one-man surveys.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial man" to describe someone who has a notable presence or impact, either physically or in terms of influence. This phrase adds a layer of depth to your description, suggesting more than just physical size.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial man" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "big man" or "large man" might be more appropriate. The formality of "substantial" can feel out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial man" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "man" with the adjective "substantial". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial man" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich expression used to describe a man who is not only physically imposing but also carries a certain weight of significance, influence, or importance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and readily usable. While the phrase finds its home primarily in news, media, and science-related contexts, its slightly formal tone makes it less suited for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "significant man" or "influential man" to fine-tune the message to your specific intent. The phrase, though not overly common, adds depth and nuance to descriptions, elevating beyond mere physical attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

man of substance

A more formal way to describe a man of worth and integrity.

significant man

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the man.

notable man

Highlights the man's recognition and prominence.

influential man

Focuses on the man's ability to affect others or situations.

considerable man

Highlights the man's impressive qualities or achievements.

weighty man

Implies the man carries significant responsibility or authority.

formidable man

Suggests the man inspires respect or even fear due to his power or capabilities.

imposing man

Describes a man who is impressive in appearance or demeanor.

powerful man

Highlights the man's control or dominance.

stalwart man

Suggests the man is reliable, strong, and resolute.

FAQs

What does the phrase "substantial man" mean?

The phrase "substantial man" typically refers to a man who is significant, important, or has a considerable presence or influence. It can also describe a man of considerable size or weight.

What can I say instead of "substantial man"?

You can use alternatives like "significant man", "notable man", or "influential man" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "substantial man" is appropriate in formal writing. It conveys a sense of importance and weight, making it suitable for describing someone of significance in professional or academic contexts.

How does "substantial man" differ from "big man"?

"Substantial man" implies significance or importance, while "big man" usually refers primarily to physical size. "Substantial man" carries a more formal and often more complimentary connotation.