substantial story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative that is significant, meaningful, or has considerable depth and complexity. Example: "The novel presents a substantial story that explores the intricacies of human relationships and societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Feuerzeig's flashy narrative antics reduce a serious and substantial story to mere snippets of information.

The New Yorker

Many of those traditions were already in place in 1930, when The New Yorker published its first substantial story about the All England Lawn and Tennis Club.

The New Yorker

Step by step, she said, students learn to write dialogue, descriptive paragraphs, visual passages and character sketches so that by the end of the semester, they will be able to write a "substantial story".

The New York Times

We don't really spend a sustained period in any one location, with only brief scenes possible to establish some pretty substantial story developments".

Wikipedia

You may feel satisfaction with the manner in which you're crafting your work and writing but feelings-wise, provided you've created a good, substantial story with real characters, you'll identify with them and feel their pain and sorrows.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bennett's latest work of fiction consists of two substantial stories in one slight volume.

The New York Times - Books

Thirteen Ways of Looking is composed of a novella and three substantial stories.

The Guardian - Books

Between 27 July and 4 August, the paper ran four substantial stories about the former editor of the Daily Mirror, including a piece from the United States, where he is now based.

Independent

The more substantial stories usually have a strong emotional component, affirming the painful or sustaining resonance that a dress or a pair of shoes can assume at pivotal moments in women's lives.

The New York Times

What's hard is to find transformative or substantial stories the media actually got right--really right, by being bold and going wide and deep.

Huffington Post

However, averages don't tell the real story; a substantial minority had significantly longer-lasting benefits.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial story" when you want to convey that a narrative has significant depth, detail, or impact. It's suitable for describing books, films, or real-life events.

Common error

While "substantial story" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good story" or "interesting narrative" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial story" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "story". It describes the quality or nature of the narrative. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to characterize a narrative as significant, well-developed, or impactful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial story" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a narrative with significant depth, detail, or impact. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for describing books, films, or real-life events, emphasizing that a "substantial story" has depth, complexity, and significant details. When using the phrase, consider the level of formality required and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Common alternatives include "significant narrative" or "detailed account".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant narrative

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the story.

well-developed account

Highlights the detailed and thorough nature of the story.

considerable tale

Focuses on the noteworthy aspects of the story.

meaningful narrative

Stresses the story's significance and depth.

detailed report

Suggests a comprehensive and thorough account of events.

comprehensive history

Highlights that the story covers many aspects or a long period.

extensive account

Implies that the story is thorough and covers a lot of ground.

sizeable narrative

Emphasizes the story's length and scope.

weighty story

Highlights the importance and impact that the story can have.

rich narrative

Focuses on the story's depth and complexity of elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial story" to describe a narrative that is well-developed, significant, or has considerable depth. For example: "The film offers a "substantial story" about overcoming adversity."

What's a good alternative to "substantial story"?

Alternatives to "substantial story" include "significant narrative", "detailed account", or "meaningful narrative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "substantial story" formal or informal?

"Substantial story" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

What makes a story "substantial"?

A "substantial story" typically has depth, complexity, and significant details. It explores themes and characters thoroughly, providing a rich and meaningful experience for the audience or reader.