What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
large
Example
The large elephant stood tall in the savannah. [large: adjective]
Example
She received a large sum of money from her inheritance. [large: noun]
Example
The company has a large number of employees. [large: adjective]
substantial
Example
The company made a substantial profit this quarter. [substantial: adjective]
Example
He made a substantial contribution to the research project. [substantial: adjective]
Example
The evidence presented was substantial enough to convict the suspect. [substantial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Large is more common and versatile than substantial in everyday language. Large can be used in various contexts and levels of formality, while substantial is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between large and substantial?
Substantial is more formal and academic than large. It is often used in professional or technical writing to emphasize the importance or value of something. Large, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.