Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
they're substantial
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Even if its results are talking points, they're substantial ones.
News & Media
But what I can say is that when you have a portfolio of patents, and they're substantial and directly built on what someone else is doing, and it's core to the essence of what that company is, it's very different from the dynamic of having one to two patents that are perhaps of suspect validity".
News & Media
"They're substantial brick homes on concrete slabs on the bayou.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Luxury goods like this have a heft and beauty that's difficult to articulate — they're substantial-feeling, the fixtures are heavy, the clasps feel precision-engineered — but the price tags tucked in their nether-regions accomplish what words cannot.
News & Media
But they are substantial".
News & Media
"They are substantial".
News & Media
Precisely because they were substantial and significant.
News & Media
They are substantial physical losses; but they are not me".
News & Media
We pay out claims -- and they are substantial".
News & Media
But they are substantial enough to generate profit.
News & Media
There were also unreleased songs in the set, and they were substantial and tinged with optimism.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In formal academic papers, favor the uncontracted version "they are substantial" for higher professional tone.
Common error
Avoid using "their substantial" when you mean "they're substantial". Remember that "their" is a possessive pronoun requiring a following noun, while "they're" is the subject and verb needed to describe something with an adjective.
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "they're substantial" serves as a predicative adjective construction. It combines the plural subject pronoun "they" with the contracted linking verb "are" and the adjective "substantial". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it functions to attribute a quality of significant size or weight to the subject.
Frequent in
News & Media
48%
Science
32%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
12%
Encyclopedias
8%
Social Media
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "they're substantial" is a robust and grammatically correct way to describe plural subjects that carry weight, either literally or figuratively. While Ludwig AI shows it is less common than its uncontracted counterpart in purely formal literature, it remains a staple of journalistic writing and technical descriptions. The phrase effectively conveys significance and scale without excessive wordiness. Writers should be mindful of the target audience; use the contraction for a natural, modern voice in news and blogs, but consider expanding it to "they are substantial" for academic or highly formal business documentation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
they are substantial
Uses the full form instead of a contraction for a more formal or emphatic tone
they are significant
Emphasizes the importance or impact rather than just the physical size
they are considerable
Suggests a quantity that is large enough to be worthy of attention
they're sizeable
Focuses specifically on large physical dimensions or amounts
they're hefty
Provides a more colloquial or physical connotation of weight and mass
they are noteworthy
Highlights that the subjects are deserving of attention or notice
they are consequential
Implies that the subjects have important effects or results
they are extensive
Suggests a wide scope or large area covered
they're weighty
Metaphorically suggests gravity or literal physical heaviness
they are voluminous
Refers specifically to a large volume or amount of space occupied
FAQs
How do I use "they're substantial" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe plural objects or ideas, such as in the sentence, "The changes were not minor; "they are significant" and "they're substantial" in their impact."
Is "they're substantial" too informal for business?
While correct, the contraction might feel slightly casual. For high-stakes reports, use the full form ""they are substantial"" instead.
What is a more descriptive synonym for "they're substantial"?
Depending on the context, you might prefer "they're sizeable" for physical items or "considerable" for abstract amounts.
Can I use "they're substantial" to describe people?
It is grammatically possible but usually refers to their physical build or influence. In a professional setting, "they are noteworthy" might be more appropriate for describing status.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested