In the following sentence, which word choice improves precision: 'The effects were big'?

In the following sentence, which word choice improves precision: 'The effects were big'?

• A. The effects were large
• B. The effects were substantial
• C. The effects were significant
• D. The effects were meaningful

Answer: (B)

In academic writing, precision comes from choosing a word that conveys real magnitude and importance without implying something unstated. Substantial does just that: it signals a real, notable impact of the effects and fits a formal tone. Large focuses mainly on size and can feel blunt, significant can carry a statistical connotation that may mislead about actual impact, and meaningful is subjective and less about measurable magnitude. So The effects were substantial communicates a clear, substantial, and practically relevant level of impact.

In academic writing, precision comes from choosing a word that conveys real magnitude and importance without implying something unstated. Substantial does just that: it signals a real, notable impact of the effects and fits a formal tone. Large focuses mainly on size and can feel blunt, significant can carry a statistical connotation that may mislead about actual impact, and meaningful is subjective and less about measurable magnitude. So The effects were substantial communicates a clear, substantial, and practically relevant level of impact.