though not substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though not substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something exists or is present, but to a limited or minor degree. Example: "The evidence presented was compelling, though not substantial enough to change the outcome of the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also like Everpix, Origami had hosting costs to deal with, though not as substantial.

TechCrunch

It seems well thought-out, is faithfully executed and feels substantial, though not as plush as the Civic Hybrid.

The New York Times

We just can't ignor thet echnical con flicts of interest, even though they are not substantial," Mr. Bayh said.

The New York Times

So isolated were the people who spoke it in their deep valleys that not one, but five, dialects grew up, though the differences are not substantial.

The New York Times

Our results suggest boys on average are affected negatively by LE student shares while girls are not, though the effect is not substantial.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

However, after the 5th cycle of use, a slight reduction in the yield was observed, though this reduction was not substantial.

Nano-Micro Letters

It may also be caught by subsistence fishers and in lobster traps and bottom trawls, though not in substantial quantities.

Wikipedia

Unfortunately, not substantial.

Vice

Obama, in his news conference Monday, put it a little differently, saying, "Social Security is not the primary driver of our long-term deficits and debt". That phrasing would suggest it contributes in some way to long-term deficits and debt, though not in a substantial way.

The Washington Post

Speculation isn't substantial evidence.

Cornell University

The entrées are substantial, though not always exciting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not substantial" to introduce a nuanced perspective, showing awareness of a potential impact while asserting its limited effect. This can add credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "though not substantial" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "not much" or "a little" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

"Though not substantial" functions as a concessive phrase. It acknowledges a point but then qualifies it by indicating that the point is not significant or considerable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though not substantial" is a grammatically correct phrase used to concede a point while simultaneously downplaying its significance. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a concessive phrase, commonly found in various writing contexts. Although versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in very informal settings. While there aren't specific authoritative sources demonstrating its usage in this dataset, its grammatical correctness and functional clarity make it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Alternatives include "albeit limited" and "even if minor", allowing for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit limited

This alternative directly indicates a limitation, similar to "though not substantial", but more concise.

even if minor

This phrase emphasizes the small degree or importance of something, akin to the original phrase.

while not significant

This option focuses on the lack of significance, conveying a similar meaning while using different wording.

although minimal

This alternative emphasizes the small quantity or degree, aligning with the original's sense of something not being large.

if only slight

Highlights the small degree or impact, similar to the original phrase's intention.

notwithstanding its limitations

This version explicitly acknowledges limitations, mirroring the phrase's implication of something not being substantial.

though somewhat reduced

Focuses on the reduction aspect, implying that while there's a decrease, it's not a major one.

even though circumscribed

This option emphasizes the restricted nature of something, similar to the original phrase's sense of limitation.

while remaining modest

Focuses on the modest aspect, suggesting something is not excessive or substantial.

however, within bounds

This alternative suggests that something is kept within certain limits, aligning with the original phrase's sense of not being substantial.

FAQs

How can I use "though not substantial" in a sentence?

Use "though not substantial" to indicate that something exists or has an effect, but it is limited or minor. For example, "The evidence presented was compelling, "though not substantial" enough to change the outcome of the trial."

What are some alternatives to saying "though not substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "albeit limited", "even if minor", or "while not significant" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "though not substantial" in formal writing?

Yes, "though not substantial" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a nuanced meaning suitable for academic, business, or journalistic contexts.

What does "though not substantial" imply?

The phrase ""though not substantial"" implies that something exists or has an influence, but that its effect is limited or not significant. It's a way of acknowledging something while downplaying its importance.