what is substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the significance or importance of something. Example: "In this discussion, we need to focus on what is substantial to our project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A common guideline for authorship is that one must have substantially contributed to the development of the paper but what is substantial?

Science Magazine

Many metaphysicians have relied, in this connection, on the internally related notions of substance, quality, and relation; they have argued that only what is substantial truly exists, although every substance has qualities and stands in relation to other substances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sequence analysis is at present opening a second principal dimension beyond the databases of species-specific prototype DNA sequences ("the" human genome sequence vs. "the" mouse genome sequence, etc).: In addition to what all creatures of a species have in common, we tackle the problem of what is substantial in the genetic diversity among the members of a population.

Science Magazine

Hegel claims that works of "true humour," such as Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy (1759), succeed in making "what is substantial emerge out of contingency".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But courts must say what is a substantial burden legally.

The Washington Post

What is a substantial criminal record for the purposes of this legislation?

The Guardian

Only the believer can say what is a substantial burden religiously.

The Washington Post

But on legislation affecting an entire industry, states let the lawmakers decide what is a substantial interest.

The New York Times

First, they say that only they can say what is a substantial burden on their exercise of religion; the courts must take their word for it.

The Washington Post

Defining what is of "substantial public interest" may be the tricky part, as anyone who has tried to avoid fees charged by government agencies responding to Freedom of Information Act requests has found.

Vice

53 Additionally, quantifying what is often substantial uncertainty in parameter values and accounting for it in strategy evaluations represents a more rational approach than one based only on point estimates for parameter values.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is substantial", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for substance or significance. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "what is substantial" without providing specific examples or quantifiable measures. Vague language weakens the impact of your statement. Instead, provide clear criteria or metrics to support your claim about the substance of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is substantial" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase. It introduces a question seeking to define or identify the significant aspects of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what is substantial" serves as an inquiry into the core essence or significant aspects of a subject. Ludwig AI analysis validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various writing contexts. Predominantly, it is used in science, news media and academic discourse to prompt deeper analysis and clarify the fundamental elements. For enhanced clarity in writing, always define criteria or provide examples of substance. Alternatives to "what is substantial" include phrases such as "what constitutes substance" or "what represents a significant amount", offering versatility in expression while maintaining semantic integrity. Given its role in prompting critical analysis, mastering the appropriate usage of "what is substantial" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what constitutes substance

Replaces "substantial" with a more formal synonym and focuses on defining the core element.

what represents a significant amount

Rephrases "substantial" in terms of quantity or magnitude.

what comprises the essence

Focuses on the fundamental nature of something being considered substantial.

what embodies importance

Highlights the importance aspect of being substantial.

what is considered meaningful

Changes the focus to the perceived meaning or value.

what is of considerable size

Emphasizes the size or extent aspect of "substantial".

what carries weight

Uses a metaphorical expression for importance or influence.

what is truly fundamental

Highlights the fundamental or basic nature of the substance.

what makes a considerable impact

Focuses on the impact or effect of something being substantial.

what is truly valuable

Shifts the focus to the inherent value of the substance.

FAQs

How can I use "what is substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "what is substantial" to inquire about the significance or importance of something in a given context. For example, "In this discussion, we need to focus on "what is substantial" to our project's success."

What are some alternatives to saying "what is substantial"?

Alternatives include "what is significant", "what is meaningful", or "what constitutes substance", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "what is substantial" or "that is substantial"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "What is substantial" is used to ask about the substance or importance of something, whereas "that is substantial" is a statement affirming that something possesses substance or importance.

How do I determine "what is substantial" in a research context?

In a research context, determining "what is substantial" often involves establishing clear criteria for evaluating the significance of findings, data, or contributions. This may include considering statistical significance, practical implications, or theoretical contributions.