substantial weight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial weight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that carries significant importance or influence in a particular context, such as arguments, evidence, or decisions. Example: "The committee considered the substantial weight of the evidence presented before making their final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And in this case, speed of enactment merits substantial weight in the overall grade.

The New York Times

What is more, the law school actually gives substantial weight to diversity factors besides race.

The New York Times

If all goes well, bariatric surgery leads to substantial weight loss, especially among the morbidly obese.

The New York Times

People around Mr. Cheney have said that he has gained substantial weight since he left the Pentagon in 1993.

The New York Times

The Justice Department has an advisory role in the process, with the F.C.C. giving "substantial weight" to the department's recommendations.

The New York Times

The policy specified that attendance and a teacher's assessment of classroom performance should also carry substantial weight.

The New York Times

Given the car's substantial weight — more than 4,300 pounds — that's not bad.

The New York Times

During a parliamentary debate last year, a male MP rose and said: "While the Hon Mazibuko may be a person of substantial weight, her stature is questionable".

The Guardian

Substantial weight comes from the smart way the project outlines categories and methods for looking at its photographs, paintings, prints, videos and three-dimensional pieces.

The New York Times

There was also the possibility that a communal consensus existed on what to do under particular circumstances, and that, too, was thought to have substantial weight.

The New York Times - Magazine

I look forward to challenging Theresa May's arguments, with the support of a substantial weight of expert opinion and evidence against her regressive plans.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial weight", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to literal physical weight or, more commonly, figurative importance or influence. Using specific examples or quantifiable measures can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial weight" in contexts where the intended meaning could be misinterpreted as physical mass when you mean significance or influence. Instead, rephrase using terms like "significant influence" or "considerable importance" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial weight" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "substantial" modifies the noun "weight". It is used to denote significant importance, influence, or impact of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial weight" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey significant importance or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently found in diverse contexts, including news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying whether you're referring to literal physical weight or figurative importance. Alternatives such as "considerable importance" or "significant influence" may provide greater precision in certain scenarios. The phrase's high frequency and usage across authoritative sources underscore its reliability and relevance in both general and specialized writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable importance

Emphasizes the importance of something, shifting the focus from weight to significance.

significant influence

Highlights the impact something has, rather than its notional weight or importance.

notable impact

Focuses on the effect or consequence of something, suggesting it is worthy of attention.

marked effect

Indicates a noticeable consequence, altering the emphasis to the result.

considerable bearing

Stresses relevance or influence on a matter, changing the image from physical to abstract.

great consequence

Highlights the importance and potential ramifications of something.

significant value

Shifts the focus to the worth or merit of something.

major consideration

Emphasizes the importance of something as a factor to be taken into account.

critical factor

Indicates that something is an essential element in a particular situation.

strong relevance

Highlights the pertinent and applicable nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial weight" to indicate that something carries considerable importance or influence, as in "The evidence presented carried "substantial weight" in the jury's decision".

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial weight"?

Alternatives include "considerable importance", "significant influence", or "notable impact", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "substantial weight" or "considerable weight"?

Both "substantial weight" and "considerable weight" are acceptable, but "substantial" often implies a more significant or noticeable degree of importance than "considerable".

Can "substantial weight" refer to physical weight, or is it always figurative?

"Substantial weight" can refer to both physical weight (e.g., "Given the car's "substantial weight" — more than 4,300 pounds — that's not bad") and figurative importance (e.g., "The policy specified that attendance and a teacher's assessment of classroom performance should also carry "substantial weight""). Context is key.