they are substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are substantial" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that is significant, considerable, or important. For example, "The findings of the study indicate that they are substantial in their impact on policy." Alternative expressions include "they are significant" and "they are considerable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But they are substantial".

The New York Times - Health

"They are substantial".

The New York Times

The markdowns are as widespread as they are substantial.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They are substantial physical losses; but they are not me".

The New York Times - Health

We pay out claims -- and they are substantial".

The New York Times

But they are substantial enough to generate profit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Precisely because they were substantial and significant.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were also unreleased songs in the set, and they were substantial and tinged with optimism.

The New York Times - Arts

Even if its results are talking points, they're substantial ones.

The New Yorker

We'll find out Friday what the ratings looked like, but it's hard to believe they were substantial.

The Washington Post

Two former New Jersey officials, who were privy to the unredacted documents, could not recall the precise size of the numbers, but said they were substantial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a plural noun previously mentioned in your text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Writers often use "they are substantial" when they actually mean "they are substantive". While "substantial" refers to size or volume, "substantive" refers to the essential quality or having a firm basis in reality.

How to use

Learn how to use "they are substantial" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are substantial" functions as a subject + linking verb + predicative adjective construction. In this structure, the adjective "substantial" modifies the plural pronoun "they", characterizing it as being of considerable importance, size, or worth. According to Ludwig AI, this is a standard and grammatically correct way to attribute a quality of magnitude to a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "they are substantial" is a highly versatile and professional phrase used to denote significant scale or importance. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is a staple in high-authority publications, particularly when discussing economic costs, research results, or physical losses. While it is often interchangeable with "they are significant", it carries a unique connotation of physical or metaphorical 'heaviness' and volume. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with the qualitative term "substantive". Overall, it is a reliable choice for any context requiring a formal expression of magnitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are significant

Focuses more on the importance or meaning of the subject rather than just the physical size.

they are considerable

Slightly more formal and emphasizes that the amount is large enough to be considered or noted.

they are noteworthy

Shifts the focus to the fact that the items deserve attention or observation.

they are sizable

Specifically emphasizes physical dimensions or quantifiable volume.

they are extensive

Suggests a wide scope or broad range rather than just density or mass.

they are meaningful

Implies that the size or amount has a direct impact or importance.

they are weighty

Metaphorically implies seriousness or importance, often used for arguments or decisions.

they are hefty

A more informal term often used to describe physical weight or large financial amounts.

they are non-trivial

A common academic or technical way to say something is large enough to matter.

they are of consequence

A more formal prepositional phrase emphasizing the resulting impact.

FAQs

How do I use "they are substantial" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe plural items of significant size or value. For example: "The benefits of the new policy were analyzed and the researchers concluded that "they are substantial"."

What is the difference between "they are substantial" and "they are substantive"?

Use "they are substantial" to talk about a large quantity or size. Use "they are substantive" when you mean that something is meaningful, essential, or based on facts.

Can I use "they are substantial" in formal reports?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for formal contexts. Alternatives like "they are significant" or "they are considerable" are also excellent choices for business and academic writing.

Is "they are substantial" more common than "they are large"?

While "they are large" is more common in general conversation, "they are substantial" is preferred in professional, academic, and journalistic writing because it sounds more precise and sophisticated.