substantial subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "substantial subject" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the main subject of a sentence, which carries the most weight or significance in conveying the overall message. Example: The substantial subject of the novel is the character's journey towards self-discovery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Young people need to display substantial subject knowledge as part of the examination process.

The Guardian - Opinion

A comparative study of a substantial subject across countries or periods.

Stanford University

"We had been looking around for a special to do and we wanted a really substantial subject.

The Guardian

Even so, were I a reader who had written in on a reasonably substantial subject, then seen no result, I would be wondering, what gives?

The Guardian - Opinion

Not until the late 1960s did the discipline's ideas begin to influence mainstream economics.In this section The law is an ass Three's company Better news in East Asia Latin America seeks shelter Control freaks An electronic bolt from the blue Marsh attacks ReprintsAs the weighty new dictionary amply illustrates, law and economics is now a substantial subject.

The Economist

In the cases of both this and Here We Go, the playwrights are tackling such substantial subject matter – Churchill taking on death, Bartlett dealing with office politics – in texts dense with language and ideas that audiences do not feel shortchanged, especially as the theatres have sensibly reduced ticket prices, the Vic charging £10-£25 £10-£25l and the National pricing Here We Go at £15.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

(iii) The need for consultation, which will be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the agency having substantial subject-matter interest therein.

Cornell University

Plots of headache days at an individual-level revealed substantial subject-specific differences and striking curvatures (Additional file 1: Figure. S1).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

"It's somehow considered a lightweight section, and therefore there's a belief that certain substantial subjects should be off limits".

Huffington Post

Yes, young people live in a world of Facebook "likes" and internet memes and "winning" and "fail" -- it doesn't mean that MTV should once again mirror and perpetuate that kind of lowest-common-denominator anti-thinking in an effort to introduce American kids to one of the most substantial subjects in the world.

Huffington Post

Labour market slack in the US economy remains substantial, and subject to partial control by monetary policy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial subject" when you want to emphasize the significant or considerable nature of a topic, issue, or area of study. It conveys that the subject matter is not trivial or superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial subject" in very informal conversations or writing where simpler terms like "important topic" or "key issue" might be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial subject" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "subject". It often serves to highlight the significance or importance of the topic being discussed, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial subject" is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance or weight of a particular topic. Ludwig confirms its validity for use in written English. It's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While not overly frequent, it's a useful phrase for highlighting the significance of a subject matter. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives like "significant topic" or "important issue" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant topic

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the topic.

major theme

Focuses on the thematic aspect, using "major" instead of "substantial".

important area of study

Specifies the context as an academic pursuit, highlighting importance.

considerable matter

Emphasizes the weight or significance of the issue at hand.

noteworthy subject

Highlights the subject's quality of being worthy of attention.

key area

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the importance of the area.

central issue

Highlights the centrality of the issue being discussed.

primary focus

Indicates that the subject is the main point of attention.

core element

Highlights the subject as a fundamental part of something.

meaningful subject

Emphasizes that the subject has significance and value.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial subject" to describe a topic of considerable importance. For example, "The "substantial subject" of the debate was climate change".

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

Alternatives include "significant topic", "major theme", or "important area of study", depending on the context.

Is "substantial subject" formal or informal?

"Substantial subject" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, simpler phrases might be more suitable.

What makes a subject "substantial"?

A "substantial subject" is one that carries significant weight, importance, or impact. It's a topic that merits serious consideration and detailed exploration.