Although a permanent staff gradually began to take shape, the main substantive work occurred in the departments.

True, almost all the substantive work goes on behind the scenes.

But on the whole, substantive work is more important than prestige.

Her lack of credentials and substantive work was really insulting.

That often involves intensive substantive work on an article.

We gained a great deal of time by not Waiting for the engineering section to be made ready before beginning substantive work on the saucer.

Some staff members say privately that the substantive work of the agency is being delayed.

There's been a great deal of idle speculation that has derailed substantive work.

But within the House there is a committee responsible for incorporating the substantive work.

The two leaders seem to be able to move readily between moments of criticism to substantive work and good spirits.