substantive point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantive point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or meaningful argument or issue in a conversation or text. Example: "During the debate, she made a substantive point about the importance of environmental policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

That's Turnbull's substantive point.

The Guardian

There is a substantive point here.

The Guardian

But I do want to make a substantive point about that.

The New Yorker

"They take this very seriously and from a very substantive point of view".

The New York Times

Brad DeLong saves me the trouble of responding to Alan Reynolds.But I'd like to enlarge on one substantive point.

The New York Times

But Honderich's substantive point about the role of newspapers and their relationship to their audience is valid.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The video Ms. Cutter released on Thursday, "Get the Facts on Karl Rove's B.S.," is a substantive, point-by-point rebuttal of Crossroads GPS's latest advertisement, which accuses the president of breaking a series of major campaign promises on the economy.

The New York Times

Interspersed with the expressions of love, hope and resolution were substantive points of anxiety.

The New York Times

Washington reporters are too often fixated on someone's tone rather than their substantive points.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Immigration reform or gasoline prices?" Other immigration hawks have more substantive points to make.

The New Yorker

It became a magnet for sexist bullies who drowned out any substantive points.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive point" when you want to emphasize that you are discussing a significant and meaningful aspect of an issue, not just a superficial detail.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive point" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler terms like "important thing" or "main idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive point" functions as a noun phrase, where 'substantive' acts as an adjective modifying 'point'. It is used to highlight a significant or important aspect within a broader discussion or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts. According to Ludwig, it effectively emphasizes a significant aspect of a discussion. While versatile, its formality suggests it's best suited for professional or neutral settings. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "important thing" or "main idea". This phrase stands out due to its emphasis on significance, offering a strong way to highlight key arguments. Despite its correct usage, overly formal settings should be considered before applying it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant issue

Emphasizes the importance of the topic being discussed.

key argument

Highlights the crucial nature of the argument presented.

important consideration

Focuses on the necessity of considering the matter at hand.

central idea

Points out the main concept being discussed.

core element

Underscores the fundamental aspect of the subject.

principal aspect

Highlights the primary facet of the topic.

material matter

Stresses the relevance and weight of the subject.

noteworthy item

Draws attention to a particularly remarkable detail.

critical aspect

Indicates that the aspect is crucial for understanding.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "substantive point" in a sentence?

You can use "substantive point" to introduce a significant argument or issue. For example: "The "substantive point" is that the policy needs to be revised." or "She raised a "substantive point" about budget allocation."

What is a less formal alternative to "substantive point"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "important thing", "main idea", or "key issue". These alternatives convey the same meaning without sounding overly formal.

What is the difference between "substantive point" and "minor detail"?

"Substantive point" refers to a significant and meaningful aspect of an issue, while "minor detail" refers to a trivial or insignificant detail. The former is crucial to the discussion, while the latter is not.

Is "substantive point" interchangeable with "main idea"?

While "substantive point" and "main idea" can sometimes be used interchangeably, "substantive point" emphasizes the weight and significance of the idea, whereas "main idea" simply highlights the central concept. Thus, "substantive point" brings an additional layer of meaning.