substantial numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant quantity or amount of something, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "The survey revealed that substantial numbers of participants preferred the new product over the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jobs are not being created in substantial numbers.

The New York Times

They would still leave substantial numbers of people worse off.

The Guardian - Opinion

Substantial numbers of Russian troops remain on Georgian territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American forces are only now venturing west and north of Baghdad in substantial numbers.

The New York Times

"If substantial numbers of the jury are black, you cannot accuse them of racism," he said..

The New Yorker

Wildlife and ecosystems hit by "severe" and "widespread" impacts, with substantial numbers of species going extinct.

The Guardian

In Touch is the rare new publication that is connecting with consumers in substantial numbers.

The New York Times

Though found in museums around the world, Bosch's paintings are rarely assembled in substantial numbers.

The New York Times

Despite the troops' substantial numbers and firepower, the strategy is not without risks.

The New York Times

Substantial numbers of older residents, like Donald and Melissa Snyder, remain in the community.

The New York Times

In the next half-hour, we should see the first substantial numbers come in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial numbers", ensure the context provides a clear comparison point to understand the significance of the quantity. For instance, instead of saying "substantial numbers of people", specify "substantial numbers of people compared to last year".

Common error

Avoid using "substantial numbers" when the quantity is actually quite small or insignificant in the given context. This can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial numbers" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a significant quantity or amount. It is often used to highlight the importance or impact of the quantity being discussed, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial numbers" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a quantity that is both large and significant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. When writing, it is important to ensure that the quantity is indeed noteworthy to avoid misleading the reader. While alternatives like "significant amount" and "considerable quantity" exist, "substantial numbers" maintains a unique emphasis on both size and impact, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant amount

Focuses on the importance or impact of the quantity, rather than just the size.

considerable quantity

Emphasizes the largeness of the amount.

large proportion

Highlights the fraction or percentage of a whole that the amount represents.

appreciable quantity

Suggests that the amount is noticeable and worth considering.

notable volume

Focuses on the size or capacity, often used in a more formal context.

marked degree

Implies a noticeable extent or level, often used for abstract quantities.

sizeable contingent

Refers to a significant group or portion of a larger body.

extensive array

Indicates a wide variety and a large number of items.

a wealth of

Suggests an abundance or richness, often used for resources or information.

ample supply

Implies a sufficient quantity to meet a particular need or demand.

FAQs

How do I use "substantial numbers" in a sentence?

Use "substantial numbers" to indicate a quantity that is large enough to be important or significant. For example, "Substantial numbers of students are applying to universities this year".

What can I say instead of "substantial numbers"?

You can use alternatives like "significant amount", "considerable quantity", or "large proportion" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "substantial number" or "substantial numbers"?

"Substantial number" is appropriate when referring to a singular item or instance that is significant. "Substantial numbers" should be used when referring to multiple items or instances.

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

While both phrases indicate a high quantity, "substantial numbers" often implies that the quantity is not only large but also significant or impactful. "Large numbers" simply refers to the magnitude.