substantively true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantively true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the accuracy or validity of a statement or claim in a meaningful or significant way. Example: "While the report contains some inaccuracies, the overall conclusion is substantively true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some administration officials stand by the 16 words as "technically correct," and the British continue to insist they are substantively true -- but Bush advisers now concede that the president should never have included the charge.

The New York Times

Kenneth Bickers, chairman of the political science department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, says he routinely talks of Hickenlooper's victory as "winning without running, which is not technically true, but it's substantively true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Partly for that reason, even well-known and careful scientists will often emphasize that a "finding" may be statistically significant through chance alone while overlooking the equally true point from the other side of the coin the fact that even a "statistically insignificant" pattern may nevertheless be substantively important.

Environmental Health Perspectives

And substantively at times".

The Guardian

"Substantively, the bill is abysmal.

The New Yorker

This makes little sense, substantively.

The New York Times

Both Ezra Klein and Paul Krugman argue that to the extent this is true, it's a vice, not a virtue, and that Obama's attempt to appeal to the banks' self-interest was both politically tone-deaf and substantively wrong.

The New Yorker

Ideologically and substantively, it is centrist.

The New Yorker

It does – descriptively, substantively and symbolically.

The Guardian

Still, substantively Okrent makes many points.

The New York Times - Books

This decision substantively demolished the Reserve Rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantively true", be prepared to address the technicalities or minor inaccuracies you're acknowledging. Transparency strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "substantively true" to excuse significant falsehoods. The phrase implies that the core message is valid, not that the inaccuracies are negligible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantively true" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a statement or claim. Ludwig AI suggests it's used to affirm the essential correctness of something, while conceding minor inaccuracies. It essentially asserts that the core meaning or implication is accurate, even if details might be debated or technically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantively true" is a useful tool for expressing qualified agreement. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its relative infrequency suggests a specialized usage. It functions as an adjectival modifier, conveying that a statement is accurate in its essence, even if minor details are not. Its primary contexts include news and media, with a neutral register suitable for professional communication. To ensure you are leveraging the phrase correctly, it is recommended to use it when you want to concede minor inaccuracies while affirming the core message. Finally, consider using alternatives like "essentially correct" or "fundamentally accurate" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially correct

Focuses on the core accuracy, minimizing the impact of minor inaccuracies.

fundamentally accurate

Highlights the foundational truth, even if details might be debated.

largely valid

Acknowledges that the statement holds true in most significant aspects.

mostly correct

Indicates a high degree of accuracy with some room for exceptions.

true in essence

Emphasizes the underlying truth, disregarding superficial discrepancies.

veritable in substance

Highlights the truthfulness of the subject matter, despite possible technicalities.

accurate in principle

Indicates agreement with the concept, even if practical application varies.

broadly truthful

Suggests truthfulness in a general sense, allowing for some imprecision.

practically true

Highlights the truthfulness in a practical, real-world sense.

virtually correct

Indicates an almost complete accuracy with very minor differences.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "substantively true"?

Use "substantively true" when a statement is essentially correct, even if it contains minor inaccuracies or technicalities. It's a way of acknowledging imperfections while affirming the overall validity.

What are some alternatives to "substantively true"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially correct", "fundamentally accurate", or "largely valid", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "substantively true" differ from "technically true"?

"Substantively true" implies that the core message is correct, while "technically true" suggests adherence to a literal interpretation, even if it's misleading or irrelevant in a broader context. Often, a statement can be technically true but not "substantively true", and vice versa.

Can I use "substantively true" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantively true" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a nuanced way to express accuracy with caveats. However, ensure your audience understands the intended meaning and context.