they were substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significant, considerable, or large in amount or degree. Example: "The findings of the research were substantial, indicating a strong correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 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

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

They might have been nut cases who negotiated reality through bad puns and movie references, but they were substantial and complex nut cases.

The New York Times - Arts

While Williams couldn't talk about the size of the deals specifically, he would say they were "substantial" and many were "six figures".

TechCrunch

Salomon defended its allocations as the norm on Wall Street suggesting the telecom executives received the shares because they were substantial investors of their own money, as opposed to being dispensers of WorldCom's largesse.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But they are substantial".

The New York Times - Health

"They are substantial".

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were substantial", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'they' refers to and what aspect is substantial (e.g., size, impact, value).

Common error

Avoid using "they were substantial" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they were big" or "they were significant" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were substantial" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being significant, considerable, or large to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts to emphasize importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were substantial" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something significant or considerable. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for written English and signifies importance. While versatile, it is more frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. For more informal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable. Be sure to consider the context when determining if "they were substantial" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were significant

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", indicating importance or consequence.

they were considerable

Substitutes "substantial" with "considerable", suggesting a notable amount or degree.

they were sizable

Replaces "substantial" with "sizable", emphasizing the large size or extent.

they were large

Uses "large" instead of "substantial", focusing on the great size or amount.

they were material

Substitutes "substantial" with "material", implying importance or relevance.

they were meaningful

Replaces "substantial" with "meaningful", highlighting the importance or purpose.

they were weighty

Substitutes "substantial" with "weighty", suggesting importance and influence.

they were appreciable

Replaces "substantial" with "appreciable", indicating a noticeable or measurable amount.

they were solid

Uses "solid" instead of "substantial", emphasizing a strong or reliable quality.

they were consequential

Replaces "substantial" with "consequential", suggesting significant results or effects.

FAQs

What does "they were substantial" mean?

The phrase "they were substantial" means that something was significant, considerable, or large in amount, size, or degree. It suggests that the items or aspects being referred to were of noteworthy importance or magnitude.

How can I use "they were substantial" in a sentence?

Use "they were substantial" to describe something that is significant or considerable. For example: "The donations received were substantial, allowing the organization to expand its services."

What are some alternatives to "they were substantial"?

Alternatives to "they were substantial" include "they were significant", "they were considerable", or "they were sizable", depending on the context.

Is "they were substantial" formal or informal?

"They were substantial" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "they were big" or "they were significant" might be more appropriate.