What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
substantively
Example
The report was substantively flawed and contained numerous errors. [substantively: adverb]
Example
The new policy changes will substantively improve the company's operations. [substantively: adverb]
essentially
Example
The book essentially argues that human behavior is shaped by environmental factors. [essentially: adverb]
Example
The new technology is essentially a faster and more efficient version of the previous model. [essentially: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Essentially is more commonly used than substantively in everyday language. Essentially is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while substantively is less common and more formal in usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between substantively and essentially?
Substantively is more formal than essentially, which is more commonly used in everyday language. Therefore, substantively is more appropriate in formal or academic writing, while essentially is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
