Significant vs Substantial: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to choosing between two similar words, such as significant and substantial, it can be challenging to know which one to use. Both words are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings that can make a significant difference in your writing.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. Both significant and substantial can be the right choice, depending on what you are trying to convey.

Significant means important or meaningful, while substantial means considerable or large in amount. To put it simply, significant refers to the value of something, while substantial refers to the size or quantity of something.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the difference between these two words and provide examples of when to use each one.

Define Significant

Significant is a term used to describe something that has a great impact or importance. It refers to a situation or an event that is noteworthy or meaningful. Significance can be subjective, as what is significant to one person may not be to another. However, in a broader sense, significance is often determined by the extent of its effect or consequence.

For example, a significant achievement in sports could be winning a championship game or breaking a world record. In the business world, a significant event could be a merger or acquisition that leads to a major shift in the industry. In science, a significant discovery could be a breakthrough that changes the way we understand the world.

Define Substantial

Substantial refers to something that is large in size, amount, or degree. It is a term that is used to describe something that is considerable or significant in quantity or quality. Substantial can also refer to something that is essential or fundamental to a particular situation or context.

For example, a substantial amount of money could mean a large sum of money that has a significant impact on a person’s financial situation. In the legal world, substantial evidence is evidence that is strong enough to prove a point or support a claim. In the context of a meal, a substantial portion could refer to a large serving that is filling and satisfying.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “significant” and “substantial”. However, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Significant” In A Sentence

The word “significant” is used to describe something that is important, noteworthy, or meaningful. It can be used to describe a person, place, thing, or event. Here are some examples of how to use “significant” in a sentence:

• The new product launch was a significant success.
• Her contributions to the project were significant.
• The discovery of a new species was a significant breakthrough in the field of biology.

As you can see, “significant” is used to describe something that has a considerable impact or importance. It is often used to emphasize the importance of something.

How To Use “Substantial” In A Sentence

The word “substantial” is used to describe something that is large in size, amount, or degree. It can be used to describe a physical object, a quantity, or an abstract concept. Here are some examples of how to use “substantial” in a sentence:

• The company made a substantial profit this quarter.
• She received a substantial amount of money in her inheritance.
• The changes to the proposal will have a substantial impact on the final outcome.

As you can see, “substantial” is used to describe something that is significant in amount or degree. It is often used to emphasize the magnitude of something.

More Examples Of Significant & Substantial Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use the words “significant” and “substantial” in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the difference between these two words and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Examples Of Using “Significant” In A Sentence

• The new tax law will have a significant impact on small businesses.
• Her contribution to the project was significant and greatly appreciated.
• The company’s profits have increased significantly over the past year.
• There is a significant difference between the two products in terms of quality.
• His experience in the field is significant and makes him a valuable asset to the team.
• The discovery of the new species is significant for the scientific community.
• The company’s decision to expand into new markets is a significant risk.
• The impact of climate change on the environment is significant and cannot be ignored.
• Her achievement in winning the award is significant for her career.
• The company’s investment in research and development has led to significant breakthroughs.

Examples Of Using “Substantial” In A Sentence

• The company has made a substantial investment in new technology.
• There has been a substantial increase in the number of visitors to the museum.
• Her inheritance from her grandfather was substantial and allowed her to start her own business.
• The judge awarded the plaintiff a substantial amount of money in damages.
• The company’s profits have grown substantially since the merger.
• The new regulations will have a substantial impact on the industry.
• There is substantial evidence to support the theory.
• The company’s commitment to sustainability is substantial and reflected in its operations.
• The project requires a substantial amount of funding to be successful.
• Her experience in the field is substantial and makes her a valuable asset to the team.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using significant vs substantial, many people tend to interchange these two words without realizing that they have different meanings and implications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using Significant When You Mean Substantial

The word “significant” means important, meaningful, or notable. It is often used to describe something that has a great impact or influence. On the other hand, “substantial” means large in size, amount, or degree. It is often used to describe something that is considerable or significant in amount or value.

For example, saying “the company made a significant profit last quarter” implies that the profit was important or noteworthy. However, saying “the company made a substantial profit last quarter” implies that the profit was large or considerable in amount.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “significant” when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of something, and use “substantial” when you want to emphasize the size or amount of something.

2. Using Substantial When You Mean Significant

As mentioned earlier, “substantial” means large in size, amount, or degree. However, it is often used incorrectly to mean important or meaningful, which is the meaning of “significant”.

For example, saying “the company made a substantial contribution to the charity” implies that the contribution was large in amount. However, if you meant to say that the contribution was important or meaningful, you should have used “significant”.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “substantial” when you want to emphasize the size or amount of something, and use “significant” when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of something.

3. Using Significant As A Synonym For “Good” Or “Positive”

Another common mistake is using “significant” as a synonym for “good” or “positive”. This is incorrect because “significant” does not imply a positive or negative connotation.

For example, saying “the new product launch was a significant success” implies that the launch was important or noteworthy, but it does not necessarily mean that the launch was good or positive. It could have been a significant success in terms of sales, but the product itself could have negative reviews.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “significant” only when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of something, without implying a positive or negative connotation.

4. Using Substantial As A Synonym For “Good” Or “Positive”

Similarly, using “substantial” as a synonym for “good” or “positive” is also incorrect because it does not imply a positive or negative connotation.

For example, saying “the company received a substantial amount of positive feedback” implies that the feedback was considerable or significant in amount, but it does not necessarily mean that the feedback was good or positive. It could have been a substantial amount of feedback, but the feedback itself could have been negative.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “substantial” only when you want to emphasize the size or amount of something, without implying a positive or negative connotation.

5. Using Significant Or Substantial Inappropriately

Finally, it is important to use “significant” or “substantial” appropriately, depending on the context and the intended meaning. Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

For example, saying “the company made a significant investment in the stock market” implies that the investment was important or noteworthy. However, if you meant to say that the investment was large or considerable in amount, you should have used “substantial” instead.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “significant” or “substantial” appropriately, depending on the context and the intended meaning. If you are not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or a style guide.

In conclusion, using significant vs substantial interchangeably is a common mistake that can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. To avoid making these mistakes in the future, make sure to understand the differences between these two words and use them appropriately, depending on the context and the intended meaning.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words significant and substantial, context is everything. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in how your message is received. Understanding when to use each word can help you communicate more effectively.

Different Contexts And Usage Examples

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between significant and substantial might change:

1. Financial Context

In a financial context, the word significant is often used to describe a large amount of money or a significant change in value. For example:

• The company reported a significant increase in profits this quarter.
• The cost of the project was significant, but we believe it will be worth the investment.

On the other hand, the word substantial is often used to describe a sizable or meaningful amount of money or assets. For example:

• The company has a substantial amount of cash reserves.
• The CEO received a substantial bonus for his performance this year.

2. Scientific Context

In a scientific context, the word significant is often used to describe a result that is statistically significant, meaning it is unlikely to have occurred by chance. For example:

• The study found a significant difference in outcomes between the two groups.
• The results were not significant enough to draw any conclusions.

Substantial, on the other hand, might be used to describe the size or amount of a sample or substance being studied. For example:

• The researchers used a substantial amount of data to support their findings.
• The sample size was substantial, which increases the reliability of the results.

3. Legal Context

In a legal context, the word significant might be used to describe a significant precedent or legal ruling. For example:

• The judge’s ruling set a significant precedent for future cases.
• The evidence presented was not significant enough to support the charges.

Substantial might be used to describe the amount of damages sought or awarded in a case. For example:

• The plaintiff is seeking substantial damages for their injuries.
• The court awarded substantial damages to the victim in the case.

As you can see, the choice between significant and substantial can vary depending on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can communicate more effectively and ensure your message is received as intended.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using significant and substantial are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In some cases, the context or subject matter may require a deviation from the usual guidelines.

Exceptions For Significant

• Statistical Significance: When discussing statistical data, the term significant is often used to indicate that a result is unlikely to have occurred by chance. For example, a study may find that a particular treatment is significantly more effective than a placebo, meaning the difference in outcomes is unlikely to be due to random variation.
• Emphasis: In some cases, the word significant may be used simply to emphasize the importance or impact of something. For example, a company may claim that a new product launch is a significant event for their business, even if it does not meet the criteria for being substantial.
• Idiomatic Expressions: There are some commonly used phrases in which the word significant is used in a non-literal sense. For example, “make a significant contribution” or “significant other” do not relate to size or quantity, but rather convey a sense of importance or value.

Exceptions For Substantial

• Legal Context: In legal contexts, the term substantial may be used to indicate a threshold that must be met in order for a claim or argument to be valid. For example, a plaintiff may need to demonstrate that they suffered a substantial injury in order to pursue a lawsuit.
• Physical Size: In some cases, the word substantial may be used more literally to describe the size or weight of something. For example, a chef may recommend a substantial portion of steak for a hearty appetite.
• Figurative Use: Similar to significant, the word substantial may be used figuratively to convey a sense of importance or impact. For example, a business may report that they have made substantial progress toward their goals, even if the progress is not quantitatively large.

It’s important to note that these exceptions do not negate the general guidelines for using significant and substantial. Rather, they provide additional context for understanding how these words are used in specific situations.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of significant and substantial is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (significant or substantial) to complete each sentence:

1.	The company experienced a ________ increase in profits this quarter.	Answer: substantial
2.	The results of the study were ________ in showing the benefits of exercise.	Answer: significant
3.	She made a ________ contribution to the charity.	Answer: significant
4.	The earthquake caused ________ damage to the city.	Answer: substantial

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with either significant or substantial:

1. The new policy will have a ________ impact on the company’s bottom line.
2. She has made a ________ contribution to the field of science.
3. The company experienced a ________ decrease in sales this quarter.
4. The CEO’s resignation had a ________ effect on the company’s stock price.

Answers:

1. significant
2. substantial
3. substantial
4. significant

Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences

Write three sentences using each of the words significant and substantial correctly. Then, switch the words and write three more sentences:

Example:

• Significant: The new product launch was a significant success.
• Substantial: The company invested a substantial amount of money in the new product launch.
• Substantial: The company experienced a substantial increase in profits this quarter.
• Significant: The earthquake caused significant damage to the city.

Now it’s your turn! Write your own sentences using significant and substantial.

Answers:

• Significant: The new employee made a significant impact on the team.
• Substantial: The company received a substantial investment from a venture capitalist.
• Significant: The study showed a significant correlation between sleep and productivity.
• Substantial: The company experienced substantial growth in their international market.
• Substantial: The new building required a substantial amount of concrete and steel.
• Significant: The new marketing campaign had a significant effect on sales.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between significant and substantial, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Significant refers to something that has a great impact or importance, while substantial refers to something that is large in size or amount.
• Significant is often used in a qualitative sense, while substantial is used in a quantitative sense.
• Both words can be used to describe positive or negative attributes, but the connotations of each word may differ depending on the context.
• It is important to choose the correct word to accurately convey the intended meaning in any given situation.

As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study grammar and vocabulary, readers can improve their writing and communication skills.