substantial thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an object, concept, or matter that is significant or considerable in size, importance, or impact. Example: "The report highlighted a substantial thing that needed to be addressed immediately to improve the project's outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Is this the last substantial thing you want to say about George?

The New York Times

People are objecting to tactics -- that's not the most substantial thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

As the junkie Harry, a wasted pretty boy, he seems kept aloft by his eyelashes, the only substantial thing on his frame.

The New York Times

But he does want to remain active in politics, as a strongly pro-European Conservative.He also wants a real job somewhere—"a proper substantial thing, not lots of little things".

The Economist

Once you've swum, you can read about it, and top of my book list is the The Story of Swimming by Susie Parr, a beautiful substantial thing, witty and readable, with fabulous photography.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A lot of questions, he flew by them because he knew there was no substantial thing he was going to get," said Junaid Iqbal, 22, a Pakistani-born senior who is majoring in economics at Michigan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Nevertheless, there are substantial things to admire about Anti-Social.

The Guardian - Film

The real "Unsung Heroes" deserves better, though Poirier is bound to write far more substantial things.

The New York Times - Books

I doubt that it will affect temporal things, like 'how interesting is a news headline', but more substantial things, like restaurants, movies, and gadgets.

The Economist

We try to police micro-aggressions and cultural appropriation because there are often not more substantial things to grab on to and eradicate.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it makes us sit around over coffee for hours afterwards arguing about substantial things - about whether there is a moral difference between murder and state killings.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial thing" when you want to emphasize the significance or considerable nature of an object, idea, or action. Ensure the context clearly indicates what makes it substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial thing" as a generic placeholder. Replace it with more precise language that specifies the nature and impact of what you are describing for more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "thing". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It refers to an object, concept, or matter of significant size, importance, or impact, and this aligns with examples found in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote something significant or considerable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While its register ranges from neutral to formal, it is most often found in professional and academic settings. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure the context clearly indicates what makes it substantial, avoiding vague or generic applications. Replacing it with more specific language can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant element

Focuses on the importance of the component rather than its physical presence.

material object

Emphasizes the tangible nature of the thing.

considerable matter

Highlights the importance or weight of the issue.

noteworthy item

Draws attention to the fact that something is deserving of attention.

important aspect

Shifts the focus to a particular feature or characteristic.

meaningful entity

Implies that the thing carries significance or purpose.

relevant factor

Indicates that the thing plays a role in a particular situation.

critical component

Highlights the essential nature of the thing within a larger system.

sizeable entity

Indicates that the thing has significant dimensions or quantity.

weighty subject

Emphasizes the seriousness or complexity of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial thing" to describe something of considerable importance or size. For example, "The new policy represents a "substantial thing" for the company's future."

What can I say instead of "substantial thing"?

You can use alternatives like "significant element", "considerable matter", or "noteworthy item" depending on the context.

Is "substantial thing" formal or informal?

"Substantial thing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in formal writing or speech, particularly when discussing something significant or impactful.

What is the difference between "substantial thing" and "significant event"?

"Substantial thing" refers to something tangible or intangible that has considerable size, value, or importance. "Significant event" refers to an occurrence of notable importance. The key difference is that a thing can be an object or concept, while an event is an occurrence.