substantial part

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial part" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large, important, or essential part of something. For example: "Writing a good essay requires a substantial part of research and preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A substantial part will be autobiographical.

The New Yorker

He has already raised a substantial part of this.

The Guardian

Therein lies a substantial part of the problem.

The New York Times

Dr. Dean's campaign runs in substantial part on union manpower.

The New York Times

These funds own a substantial part of the stock market.

The Guardian

It was also a substantial part of a column.

The Guardian - Opinion

A substantial part of Europe consists of suburban landscapes.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Confined goats spend a substantial part of the day feeding.

Journal of Dairy Science

Marble quarries are a substantial part of Dorset's history.

The New York Times

A substantial part of which, of course, revolves around the fine art of sampling.

The Guardian - Music

A substantial part of that past has been sitting in a warehouse for 10 years.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial part", ensure that the context clearly defines the whole of which it is a part. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial part" when referring to a very small or insignificant portion. This can mislead readers and diminish the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial part" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a significant portion or element of something. It's used to highlight the size or importance of the part being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms this is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial part" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant portion or element of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for diverse writing styles. While alternatives like "significant portion" or "major portion" may offer slightly different nuances, "substantial part" remains a reliable and effective choice for emphasizing the magnitude or importance of a particular portion. It is important to ensure that the context defines what the whole of "substantial part" comes from to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant portion

Replaces "part" with "portion", implying a measured amount.

considerable segment

Uses "segment" to emphasize a division or section of something.

major portion

Replaces "substantial" with "major", indicating greater importance.

large component

Uses "component" to suggest that the part is an element or ingredient of something.

significant element

Emphasizes the importance of the part within a whole.

notable fraction

Replaces part with 'fraction', which is more suitable in a math/stats context.

appreciable amount

Shifts the focus to quantity rather than division.

a good deal

More informal alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

a sizable chunk

Uses chunk to mean a noticeable portion of something.

the lion's share

Refers to the largest portion of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial part" to indicate that a significant portion of something is being discussed. For instance, "A "substantial part" of the budget is allocated to research."

What are some alternatives to "substantial part"?

Alternatives include "significant portion", "considerable segment", or "major portion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "substantial part" formal or informal?

"Substantial part" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "significant portion" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

While similar, "substantial part" often implies more significance or importance than "large part". "Large part" simply refers to the size, whereas "substantial part" suggests that the part is critical or essential.