substantial work

USAGE SUMMARY

'substantial work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large or difficult task that requires extensive effort. For example, "The new project required a substantial amount of work to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is their first substantial work.

The Guardian - Arts

Marius the Epicurean (1885) is his most substantial work.

Britannica

Substantial work is accomplished with thermal atomization methods.

Britannica

This suite is a substantial work, lasting some 25 minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

But the projecting metal cornice will need substantial work, he says: "It's become a pigeon hotel".

The New York Times

Though by intention "Kisetsu" is not a substantial work, it cushions you with beautifully misty sounds.

The New York Times - Arts

"Substantial work has been done and important foundations have been laid," he said.

The New York Times

This substantial work remains the basic text for the systematic identification of British and European genera.

The Guardian

Changes in the tax code require substantial work, especially in reprogramming I.R.S. computers.

The New York Times

A substantial work, the Stabat Mater contains wonderfully expressive music that is too rarely performed.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The archaeology track involves substantial work with Columbia's anthropologists and archaeologists of other world regions.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial work", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or field to which the work pertains to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial work" when the task is routine or minor; reserve it for projects requiring significant effort and resources. Misuse can dilute the impact and credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial work" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "work". It describes the magnitude or intensity of effort applied to a task or project. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing tasks ranging from renovations to academic research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial work" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a task or project requiring significant effort or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, be sure the context aligns with a task of considerable magnitude to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "considerable effort" or "significant undertaking" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable effort

Replaces 'work' with 'effort', emphasizing the exertion required.

significant undertaking

Substitutes 'work' with 'undertaking', highlighting the project's importance or scale.

extensive task

Replaces 'substantial' with 'extensive' and 'work' with 'task', conveying a large scope.

major project

Replaces 'substantial work' with 'major project', focusing on the scale and nature of the endeavor.

significant labor

Replaces 'work' with 'labor', emphasizing the effort and exertion involved.

extensive labor

Combines 'extensive' to replace 'substantial' and 'labor' to replace 'work', emphasizing the amount of effort.

serious endeavor

Replaces "substantial work" with a 'serious endeavor', focusing on commitment and purpose.

intensive activity

Highlights the concentration and vigor involved in the work.

notable achievement

Shifts focus from the effort to the accomplishment resulting from the work.

demanding assignment

Replaces 'work' with 'assignment', emphasizing the challenging nature of the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial work" to describe projects or tasks requiring considerable effort. For example, "The renovation required "substantial work" to complete".

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial work"?

You can use alternatives such as "considerable effort", "significant undertaking", or "major project".

Is it appropriate to use "substantial work" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial work" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant projects or research efforts. However, context matters, and alternatives might be better suited depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

What kind of projects usually involve "substantial work"?

"Substantial work" is typically involved in large-scale renovations, significant research projects, complex software development, or any task requiring significant time, resources, and effort.