substantial sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial sum" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or significant amount of money. Example: "The government allocated a substantial sum of money towards improving the country's infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The winning writer received a substantial sum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That's a substantial sum any way you go".

The New York Times

He had lost a substantial sum, apparently, on gambling.

The New York Times

It requires a substantial sum of money with which to socialise and buy clothes.

The Guardian - Opinion

They raised a substantial sum, but it lies unspent in a bank.

The New York Times

It won't, but it will try to take you for a substantial sum upfront.

The Guardian - Money

The Australian entertainer has been paid a substantial sum to spruik Rupert Murdoch's Australian newspapers.

The Guardian

My landlord has offered me a substantial sum of money to vacate the apartment.

The New York Times

(Ford appealed, but settled the case for what Turner calls "a very substantial sum").

The New York Times - Magazine

That is a substantial sum in the very poor communities where the campaign is often focused.

The Guardian

Mr. Silverstein received $1.13 billion, a substantial sum, though less than he had sought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial sum", consider the context and whether a more specific term (e.g., "fortune", "windfall") would be more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial sum" in very informal conversations; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more casual alternatives like "a lot of money".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial sum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where it signifies a significant monetary value, as shown by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial sum" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant amount of money, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the magnitude of the amount in various contexts, ranging from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While generally neutral in tone, "substantial sum" may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "a lot of money" might be more appropriate. Remember to consider the context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable amount

Replaces "substantial sum" with a more general term for a significant quantity.

significant amount

Similar to "considerable amount", but emphasizes the importance rather than just the size.

small fortune

Implies the amount is subjectively large, even if not objectively.

large quantity of money

More descriptive and literal, avoiding the slightly formal tone of "substantial".

ample funds

Highlights availability of money rather than pure quantity.

hefty price tag

Focuses on the cost aspect, implying the item is expensive.

good deal of money

A more casual way of expressing a large quantity of money.

king's ransom

Figurative language emphasizing an extremely high price.

fortune

A simple term suggesting great wealth or a large sum of money.

windfall

Focuses on the unexpected or sudden nature of receiving a large sum.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial sum" to describe a large amount of money. For instance, "The company invested a "substantial sum" in research and development".

What are some alternatives to "substantial sum"?

Alternatives include "considerable amount", "significant amount", or "large quantity of money". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial sum" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "substantial sum" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using more informal options like "a lot of money".

What's the difference between "substantial sum" and "hefty price tag"?

"Substantial sum" refers to a significant amount of money in general, while "hefty price tag" specifically refers to the high cost of something.