What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
materially
Example
The new evidence materially changed the outcome of the trial. [materially: adverb]
Example
The company's profits were materially affected by the economic downturn. [materially: adverb]
substantially
Example
The company's profits increased substantially after the new marketing campaign. [substantially: adverb]
Example
The new regulations will substantially improve the safety of the workplace. [substantially: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Substantially is more commonly used than materially in everyday language. Substantially is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while materially is more specific and often used in legal or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between materially and substantially?
Both materially and substantially can be used in formal or professional contexts. However, materially may be perceived as more technical or specialized due to its association with legal or financial language.
