substantial person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial person" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing the significance or importance of an individual, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "In the meeting, we discussed the contributions of each substantial person in the project."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Kinnock was "not a substantial person … a media figure really", Benn recorded in 1976.

The Guardian

Hercules' feet therefore measured one and five one-hundredths English feet apiece — substantial appendages for a substantial person.

The New Yorker

His girlfriend, Brenda Rachel Griffithss), who seemed crazed at the start, has turned out to be a substantial person with a seriously deranged brother, Billy Jeremy Sistoo).

The New York Times

Yes, he has a lover and a dead-end job, lives in a dump of a squat, and has the respect of every morally substantial person he crosses.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The jurisdiction over such criminal cases was formally conferred in the 16th century on the lord high admiral or his deputy and on three or four other substantial persons appointed by the lord chancellor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This involves developing and trying to vindicate his apparently mode-based approach to the persons (which seem to be God's relating to himself in three ways), showing how these relations may in fact be substantial persons, or specifying a relation which the persons may each bear to the divine essence which is something short of (classical, absolute) identity but much like it.

SEP

First, all exposure factors and QT interval duration were measured at a single time at baseline, which may result in non-differential measurement error as there is substantial within person variability in all these variables.

Plosone

Our analysis was based on single measures of sex steroid hormones in plasma and of cadmium in spot urine samples, all of which were subject to substantial within person variability and laboratory measurement error.

BMC Public Health

The incidence rate for persons in our study who traveled to sub-Saharan Africa appeared to be substantial (13.4/1,000 person-months), although the 95% CI was wide (3.4 36.5), and cross-reactions with other flaviviruses or previous yellow fever vaccination cannot be excluded.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

This study demonstrates that in persons with migraine assessed at three-month intervals, there are frequent transitions between CM and EM with substantial within-person variation in the number of headache days per month over the course of 15 months.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

There was substantial variation from person to person, ranging from several people with no friends to one person who was nominated as a friend by eight different Framingham Heart Study participants.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "substantial person", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean they are of significant character, influence, or physical size. The phrase is open to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial person" when you mean simply "large person." The adjective "substantial" implies importance, influence, or strong character, not just physical size. Choose a more direct word like "large" or "big" if describing physical dimensions is your goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial person" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "person". It describes an individual possessing considerable importance, influence, or moral character. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in describing people of significance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial person" is a grammatically acceptable but uncommon way to describe someone of importance, influence, or strong moral character. It isn't wrong, but it can be perceived as unclear due to the several meanings the adjective substantial brings with it. Ludwig AI analysis shows that more common alternatives include phrases like "significant individual" or "important person". The phrase appears primarily in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While not incorrect, it is advisable to consider clearer and more direct alternatives for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant individual

This alternative focuses on the importance or impact of the person.

important person

This alternative emphasizes the person's relevance or influence.

notable figure

This alternative highlights the person's recognition or fame.

prominent individual

This alternative suggests the person is well-known and respected in their field.

influential person

This alternative emphasizes the person's power to affect others or events.

considerable person

This alternative focuses on the person's merit or worth.

person of substance

This alternative conveys that the person has strong moral character and depth.

person of significance

This alternative highlights the impact and importance of the person's contributions.

person of note

This alternative signifies someone worthy of attention or recognition.

weighty individual

This alternative suggests the person is important and carries influence or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial person" to describe someone of importance or influence, as in, "The committee was composed of several "important people", each a "substantial person" in their field." Ensure the context makes your meaning clear.

What does "substantial person" mean?

"Substantial person" can refer to someone who is important, influential, or of considerable character. It suggests someone who has weight and significance in a particular context.

What can I say instead of "substantial person"?

You can use alternatives like "significant individual", "important person", or "notable figure" depending on the context. These phrases more directly convey the intended meaning.

Is "substantial person" a common phrase?

No, "substantial person" is not a particularly common phrase. It's more common to use alternatives such as "significant person" or "influential person" to convey a similar meaning.