substantive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "substantive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something material, tangible, or real, and typically implies a significant or sizable amount. For example, "The decision was based on substantive evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This one is based on the cheerfully unreconstructed Soviet staging, with its ebulliently tweaked storyline and substantive, beefed-up dance numbers.

The Guardian

The prime minister will not get a substantive renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership before 2017, so the referendum question will not be about his supposed diplomatic triumph but rather: "Do you want to stay in the present EU, with all its deficiencies and problems?" The referendum will cause grave financial and economic instability and make the UK a laughing stock across the globe.

The Guardian

This is a strangely compelling argument for some: even though Bingu was clearly going off the rails towards the end of his life, the early years of his presidency had been marked by substantive economic development.

The Guardian

In all the many interviews he has given recently, distracted by the need to engage with the substantive issue of why he is not currently the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, Kanye West hasn't talked much about Yeezus.

The Guardian - Music

From both a substantive and stylistic perspective, Biden completely dominated the debate.

The Guardian

Usually, the librettist produces the substantive ideas that inspire the composition, including the dramatic structure, characters and scenario of the opera.

The Guardian

Netanyahu had been warned by the visiting Norwegian foreign minister, Børge Brende, on Wednesday to expect a fresh wave of international pressure over making substantive progress towards a two-state solution once the Iran deadline ha dpassed.

The Guardian

It argues that as the reporter interviewed Donte Allen, a key witness to Gray's arrest, who is alleged to have changed his account of events during this interview, Miller has potential to become a "substantive witness" in the case.

The Guardian

But Clinton is still not ready to talk – at least not in a substantive way – about what it meant to be the first woman to go so far, yet still fall short, in the race for the 2008 Democratic nomination.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president saw difficulties in moving to a system under which the court might have no regard to cases that raised substantive problems.

The Guardian

The bank will be expected to provide a view on how the substantive issues bear on its mandate," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive" to describe contributions, changes, or discussions that have a real and important effect or influence. It's ideal for highlighting actions that go beyond superficial adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive" when you mean "substantial". "Substantive" refers to the essence or content of something, while "substantial" refers to its size or amount. Use "substantial" when you want to emphasize the magnitude or quantity of something.

Linguistic Context

The word "substantive" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is essential, considerable, or has a real effect. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of "substantive" modifying words like "change", "issue", and "progress".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive" is an adjective used to describe something as essential, significant, or considerable. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. It's important to distinguish "substantive" from "substantial", as the former refers to content and essence, while the latter refers to size or amount. Use "substantive" to highlight meaningful contributions, changes, or discussions. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "substantive" into your writing to convey importance and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential

Focuses on the fundamental and necessary nature of something.

significant

Emphasizes the importance and impact of something.

considerable

Highlights the size or amount of something.

material

Refers to the concrete or factual nature of something.

meaningful

Stresses the value and purpose of something.

major

Highlights the importance or large scale of something.

noteworthy

Emphasizes the importance and memorability of something.

real

Focuses on the authenticity and genuineness of something.

concrete

Focuses on the tangible and specific nature of something.

genuine

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "substantive" in a sentence?

You can use "substantive" to describe something essential or important. For example, "The committee made a "significant changes" to the proposal" or "We need "meaningful dialogue" on this issue."

What are some alternatives to the word "substantive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "essential", "significant", or "considerable".

Is it correct to use "substantive" to describe physical objects?

While "substantive" can imply something real or material, it's more commonly used to describe the content, essence, or importance of something rather than physical attributes. Use "substantial" for physical objects.

What's the difference between "substantive" and "nominal"?

"Substantive" refers to something having real importance or effect, while "nominal" refers to something that exists in name only or is very small. For example, a "substantive" change has a noticeable impact, while a "nominal" change is minimal or symbolic.