to be substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance, significance, or size of something in various contexts, such as academic writing, reports, or discussions. Example: "The evidence presented in the study is found to be substantial, supporting the researchers' claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said there appeared to be substantial interest among aquaculturists.

The New York Times

"I think the numbers are going to be substantial.

The New York Times - Sports

But support for the dean appeared to be substantial.

The New York Times

"It's got to be substantial, in the judge's opinion".

The New York Times

Any reduction in prices is not expected to be substantial.

The New York Times

We knew it was going to be substantial.

The New York Times - Arts

Most economists believe that surplus to be substantial.

Columbia University

The effect of initial overloads was found to be substantial.

International Journal of Fatigue

The mean ionic activity factor variations prove to be substantial.

Electrochimica Acta

And the additional revenue needs to be substantial.

The New York Times

Hacked Off, the press victims' organisation, consider these to be "substantial benefits" of charter compliance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be substantial" when you want to emphasize that something is not just present, but present in a significant or noteworthy amount. Ensure this aligns with the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be substantial" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler synonyms like "big" or "significant" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be substantial" functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject by indicating that something is considerable, significant, or large in amount, degree, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be substantial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something is considerable, significant, or large. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across formal, scientific, and news contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where emphasis on magnitude or importance is needed, and should be used judiciously in informal settings. Related phrases include "to be considerable" and "to be significant". With a strong presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "to be substantial" remains a valuable asset in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be considerable

Emphasizes the quantity or degree is worth noting.

to be significant

Highlights importance or consequence.

to be appreciable

Indicates something is noticeable and important.

to be sizable

Focuses on the physical or numerical size.

to be meaningful

Stresses the importance or purpose.

to be marked

Implies a noticeable effect or change.

to be prominent

Highlights visibility and importance.

to be material

Implies relevance and importance.

to be weighty

Highlights the impact or influence.

to be consequential

Focuses on the outcome or result.

FAQs

How can I use "to be substantial" in a sentence?

Use "to be substantial" to describe something significant or considerable. For example, "The evidence presented in the case needs "to be substantial" to secure a conviction."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to be substantial"?

Alternatives include "to be considerable", "to be significant", or "to be appreciable" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "to be substantial" or "to be significant"?

Both "to be substantial" and "to be significant" are valid. "To be substantial" emphasizes amount or size, while "to be significant" emphasizes importance or consequence. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning.

In what kind of writing is "to be substantial" most appropriate?

"To be substantial" is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, reports, and other contexts where a precise and somewhat formal tone is desired. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.