* "Insubstantive" means lacking substance, significance, or weight. It implies a lack of content or depth. While this could apply to some word choices, it's rarely the best descriptor for a general problem with usage.
* "Insubstantive" is usually used for arguments or ideas, not words themselves. It's more appropriate to say an argument is insubstantial or a piece of writing is insubstantial, rather than a word being insubstantial.
Here are some better alternatives to "insubstantive" when talking about word usage:
* Unclear: The word choice is confusing or ambiguous.
* Vague: The word doesn't convey a specific meaning.
* Inexact: The word isn't precise enough for the context.
* Improper: The word is used incorrectly, according to grammar or style rules.
* Redundant: The word is unnecessary or repeats information already stated.
* Awkward: The word choice feels unnatural or clumsy in the sentence.
Example:
Instead of saying: "The essay's argument is insubstantial due to the insubstantive word usage," you could say:
* "The essay's argument lacks substance because of the vague word choices."
* "The essay's argument is unclear due to the imprecise word usage."
By using more specific terms, you'll be able to better communicate the exact problem with the word usage.