while not substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while not substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is present but not significant or large in amount or degree. Example: "The feedback we received was helpful, while not substantial, it provided us with some insights for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We compared the LD structure for the seven SNPs using HapMap data, and while not substantial, r values with neighbouring SNPs have some differences (for example, r of rs1048886 with neighbouring rs9455158 is 0.75 in white Europeans and 0.87 in South Asians; r of rs3923113 with neighbouring rs13432797 is 0.93 in white Europeans and 0.64 in South Asians).

Diabetologia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

HIV and syphilis prevalence increased significantly in the subcategory of MSM who had not tested for HIV in the previous year, while the trend was not substantial or did not exist in the subcategory of MSM who had tested for HIV in the previous year.

BMC Infectious Diseases

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

While it seems that 'ghosts' may have a contribution to non-response, it is not substantial in the present study.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

As an outcome variable, teacher intervention was dichotomized as substantial (often/almost always) and not substantial intervention (almost never/once in a while/sometimes).

Injury Epidemiology

Unfortunately, not substantial.

Vice

In fact, over a large dynamic range, the input noise seems just to increase the magnitude of the fractional variance while not making a substantial change in the slope of <img src="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/asset?id=info?doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0002774.e031.PNG" class= inline-graphic"/>.

Plosone

While large, the margin wasn't substantial enough to avoid a runoff, and the two candidates will face a second-round vote on October 28.

Vice

That it wasn't substantial enough?

Huffington Post

More important, his job is to insist that those terms, while not quantifiable, are as substantial as the materials from which buildings are made and the money it costs to build them.

The New York Times - Arts

Our results indicate that the networks of regions activated in kinesthetic and visual imagery of motor sequences show a substantial, while not complete overlap, and that the two forms of motor imagery lead to a differential suppression of visual areas.

Brain Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while not substantial" to acknowledge a factor or element without overstating its importance. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "while not substantial" when the factor is genuinely insignificant or irrelevant. Choose stronger phrasing to reflect the minimal impact accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while not substantial" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a main clause by introducing a concession or qualification. It indicates that something exists or is present, but its impact, size, or significance is limited.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while not substantial" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to acknowledge a factor or element without overstating its importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. By using this phrase, writers can achieve a more balanced and nuanced presentation of information. When aiming for a slightly different nuance, consider alternatives such as "although not significant" or "even if not considerable". Be mindful not to use the phrase when the relevant factor is genuinely insignificant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although not significant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence.

even if not considerable

Highlights that despite existing, the amount or effect is relatively small.

though not particularly large

Focuses on the relatively small size or extent.

albeit not especially significant

Stresses the limited importance or impact.

granted it's not major

Acknowledges existence but downplays the scale.

admittedly not extensive

Concedes that it is not widespread or comprehensive.

even if it's just a bit

Highlights the small quantity or degree.

while admittedly minor

Acknowledges the limited nature of the matter.

though its effect is small

Focuses on the limited impact or consequence.

although somewhat limited

Highlights the constraints or restrictions.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "although not significant", "albeit not particularly large", or "even if not considerable". These options offer a similar meaning with a more elevated vocabulary.

What is the difference between "while not significant" and "while not substantial"?

The phrases are very similar, both indicating something exists but isn't particularly important. "Significant" implies having importance or consequence, while "substantial" refers to size, amount, or degree. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing importance or magnitude.

Can "while not substantial" be used in all contexts?

Yes, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from formal reports to informal discussions. However, be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey and choose the most precise phrasing accordingly.

Is there a negative connotation to using "while not substantial"?

No, the phrase is generally neutral. It simply acknowledges that something exists but isn't very large or important. The tone is more about accuracy than negativity.