How to use "they are considerable"

What Does "they are considerable" Mean?

• What it expresses: extent, degree, amount, or importance.
• What part of the sentence it typically modifies: Noun (specifically, the noun that 'they' refers to)
• Register: formal / neutral

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: final (most natural), or mid (within a clause set off by commas).
• What it modifies and how it changes the meaning of a sentence: It modifies a noun, signifying that the qualities, quantities, effects, or implications associated with that noun are significant or substantial.
• Grammatical flexibility: It's less flexible than other adverbs. It typically follows the noun it describes or is part of a clause that does so. Fronting is generally not natural.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it at the beginning of a sentence, or attempting to modify a verb directly would sound unnatural. Using it in very informal contexts might also feel out of place.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from they are considerable on Ludwig.guru.

"Defamer: The real estate doings, and they are considerable, of Ellen DeGeneres." — The New York Times

"Its difficulties, and they are considerable, will emerge later on.In this section How strong is China's economy?" — The Economist

"Even if the numbers are not as large as projected in the study, experience with other disasters suggests they are considerable." — The New York Times

"The stakes and emotional investment were never as high for New York, but they were considerable." — The New York Times - Sports

"Their numbers are few, but the problems they cause are considerable." — The New York Times

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/they+are+considerable

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
they are significant	Emphasizes importance or consequence.
they are substantial	Highlights the amount or size.
they are noteworthy	Suggests the items are worthy of attention
they are appreciable	Indicates a noticeable or measurable amount.
they are sizable	Focuses on the physical dimension or extent.
they are marked	Highlights a clear or noticeable difference.

Common Mistakes

• Using "they are considerable" at the beginning of a sentence is generally unnatural.
• Confusing 'considerable' with 'considerate' is a common error. 'Considerable' refers to size or amount, while 'considerate' means thoughtful and kind.
• Overusing the phrase in informal contexts can make your writing sound overly formal.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
they are considerable	indicates a significant amount, degree, or size	formal/neutral	final (after the noun they modify, or within a clause)

FAQs

Where should "they are considerable" be placed in a sentence?

They are considerable typically appears at the end of a sentence or clause, following the noun or concept it modifies. Placing it at the beginning sounds unnatural and is grammatically incorrect.

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How does "they are considerable" differ from "they are significant"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "they are considerable" often emphasizes the amount, size, or extent of something, whereas "they are significant" highlights the importance or consequence. Therefore, significant is more about impact, and considerable is more about quantity or size.

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How do I avoid confusing "considerable" with "considerate"?

Remember that "considerable" relates to size, amount, or degree: The costs were considerable. On the other hand, "considerate" describes someone who is thoughtful and kind: He was a considerate neighbor. Pay attention to the context to ensure you're using the correct word.