were not substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were not substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something lacked significance, importance, or size in a particular context. Example: "The findings of the study were not substantial enough to warrant further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But, the director said, the changes were not substantial.

The New York Times

Either they were not substantial or Bannon failed to disclose them in a sworn statement.

The New Yorker

According to Dr. McHugh, the files he saw contained diagnoses like adjustment disorder, anxiety and depression that to his eyes were not "substantial and irreversible".

The New York Times

A senior U.S. law enforcement official said that Farook was in contact with persons of interest with possible ties to terrorism but that these were not "substantial" contacts.

The Washington Post

In an interview, Mr. Corriston, the borough lawyer, said he long ago ruled that their holdings were not substantial and therefore did not require them to recuse themselves from any matters brought by Mr. Schepisi.

The New York Times

The law as written and interpreted, the grand jury complained in a statement, seemed to allow late-term abortions to prevent health problems that "as a matter of common interpretation" were not "substantial and irreversible".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They contend that the federal question presented is not substantial.

Cornell University

The prosecutor decided her assistance was not substantial.

The New York Times

There is not substantial overlap between the company's businesses.

The New York Times

Erik Parker's laurels are not substantial, but neither is he resting on them.

The New York Times

During DCMS mode the heating is not substantial but situation changes radically in HiPIMS mode.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were not substantial" when you want to downplay the significance or size of something without completely dismissing it. It's useful for maintaining a balanced perspective in reports and analyses.

Common error

Avoid replacing "were not substantial" with overly formal or technical alternatives when simpler language would suffice. Overly complex vocabulary can obscure your message and make your writing less accessible. Consider readability and audience when choosing your words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not substantial" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something lacks a significant degree of size, importance, or impact. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. It is used to temper expectations or downplay the significance of certain elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were not substantial" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something lacks significance in size, impact, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across multiple domains. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it finds application in diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. When aiming for greater precision, consider alternatives like "were insignificant" or "were negligible" to align with specific nuances. Overall, "were not substantial" remains a valuable tool for providing balanced and qualified assessments in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were insignificant

Replaces "substantial" with a direct synonym indicating a lack of importance or consequence.

were minimal

Emphasizes the smallness or insignificance of something, differing from "substantial" which focuses more on impact.

were negligible

Indicates that something is so small or unimportant that it can be safely ignored.

were inconsequential

Highlights the lack of importance or relevance, similar to "insignificant" but with a stronger emphasis.

did not matter much

Uses a more informal and direct way to express that something was not important.

were of little consequence

Emphasizes the lack of importance in terms of the effects or results.

were hardly noticeable

Focuses on the lack of visibility or impact, suggesting something was almost imperceptible.

didn't amount to much

An idiomatic expression indicating that something did not reach a significant level or have a significant effect.

were scarcely significant

Combines "scarcely" to indicate a very low degree of significance.

were not particularly impactful

Focuses specifically on the lack of impact or effect, offering a more nuanced perspective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "were not substantial" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "were insignificant", "were negligible", or "were inconsequential". These options emphasize a lack of importance or impact in a formal setting.

What's a simpler way to say "were not substantial"?

Simpler alternatives include "were minimal", "did not matter much", or "didn't amount to much". These phrases are more direct and easier to understand in everyday conversation.

Is it always appropriate to use "were not substantial" in academic writing?

While "were not substantial" is generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly technical or quantitative fields, more precise terms like "statistically insignificant" or "below the threshold" may be more appropriate. However, "were not substantial" is fine for general discussions.

What's the difference between "were not substantial" and "were not significant"?

While similar, "were not substantial" often refers to size, amount, or degree, whereas "were not significant" typically relates to importance or impact. "The changes were not substantial" implies the changes were small. "The results were not significant" suggests the results didn't have a meaningful effect.