very substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or size of something, often in contexts such as discussions about amounts, impacts, or changes. Example: "The research showed a very substantial increase in productivity after implementing the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very substantial?

The New York Times

Impulse, and very substantial technique.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very substantial".

The Guardian - Sport

They're very substantial.

The Guardian

The evidence is very substantial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Droll and interesting; just not very substantial.

The New York Times

The figure is very substantial.

MIT Technology Review

"He's a very substantial guy.

The New York Times

But very substantial gaps remained.

The New York Times

That was one very substantial "instead".

The New York Times

Romney, stammering a bit: Very substantial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very substantial" when you want to emphasize the significant size, amount, or degree of something. For example, "The company invested a very substantial amount in research and development."

Common error

Avoid using "very substantial" with adjectives that already imply a high degree. For example, saying "very substantial enormous" is redundant. Instead, use just "enormous" or find a more precise adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very substantial" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to emphasize the significance, size, or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively conveys a heightened sense of importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very substantial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that intensifies the meaning of the word it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for emphasizing the significance or size of something across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific writing. To use it effectively, avoid redundancy by not pairing it with adjectives that already express a high degree. Instead of "very substantial enormous", use just "enormous". By understanding its proper usage and context, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Alternatives include "considerable" and "significant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial

Focuses on the solid or real quality of something.

considerable

Emphasizes the size, importance, or degree of something.

significant

Highlights the importance or impact of something.

appreciable

Indicates that something is noticeable or measurable.

marked

Suggests a noticeable difference or change.

sizeable

Focuses on the physical dimensions or quantity of something.

notable

Draws attention to something worthy of being noticed.

pronounced

Emphasizes that something is very noticeable or distinct.

major

Indicates that something is important or serious.

quite large

Emphasizes the amount or size of something.

FAQs

How can I use "very substantial" in a sentence?

Use "very substantial" to emphasize the significant amount, size, or degree of something. For instance, "The project required a "very substantial" investment of time and resources."

What are some alternatives to "very substantial"?

Alternatives include "considerable", "significant", or "appreciable". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between "substantial" and "very substantial"?

"Substantial" implies a considerable amount or degree. Adding "very" simply intensifies this, emphasizing that the amount or degree is particularly significant.

When is it inappropriate to use "very substantial"?

It's best to avoid using "very substantial" when the adjective it modifies already implies a high degree, which can lead to redundancy. For instance, "very substantial enormous" is usually unnecessary.