Break new ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Break new ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of doing something innovative or pioneering that has not been done before. Example: "The research team aims to break new ground in renewable energy technology with their latest project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she does break new ground.

The New York Times - Books

The opera doesn't break new ground.

The New York Times - Arts

"Charlie Lawrence" does not break new ground.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Trimble said: "It does appear to break new ground.

The New York Times

Justice Dooley said yesterday's decision did not break new ground.

The New York Times

It's the oddest records that break new ground.

The Guardian - Music

"Keep spinning in circles till you break new ground".

The New York Times - Arts

Much of the advice does not break new ground.

The New York Times

She knows that her show will not break new ground.

The New York Times - Style

The recommendations would break new ground if enacted as rules.

The New York Times

Campbell's work does promise to break new ground.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break new ground" when you want to emphasize the novelty and pioneering nature of an activity or project. It's most effective when describing efforts that significantly depart from existing norms or practices.

Common error

Avoid using "break new ground" for routine improvements or minor adjustments. Reserve it for situations where the change is truly significant and unprecedented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break new ground" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of introducing something entirely new or making a significant advancement in a particular field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight innovation or pioneering efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break new ground" is a grammatically sound and very common expression that signifies innovation and pioneering efforts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and science, and maintains a relatively neutral register. To use it effectively, reserve it for truly novel and significant advancements, and avoid overuse in non-innovative contexts. Related phrases include "pioneer new paths" and "innovate", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to consider the context and level of impact when choosing to use "break new ground" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Innovate

Emphasizes introducing new ideas or methods.

Initiate groundbreaking work

Focuses on starting innovative or precedent-setting projects.

Pioneer new paths

Focuses on creating new routes or methods.

Forge new frontiers

Suggests exploring and developing previously untouched areas.

Open new avenues

Emphasizes creating new possibilities or opportunities.

Spearhead innovation

Highlights leading the way in innovative activities.

Set a precedent

Focuses on establishing a new standard or example.

Lead the way

Highlights the action of being first in doing something.

Make inroads

Suggests making progress or advancements in a particular area.

Revolutionize

Highlights action of introducing a complete change.

FAQs

How can I use "break new ground" in a sentence?

You can use "break new ground" to describe innovative or pioneering efforts. For example, "The research team aims to "break new ground" in renewable energy technology with their latest project."

What is a synonym for "break new ground"?

Synonyms for "break new ground" include "innovate", "pioneer new paths", or "forge new frontiers". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "break new ground" formal or informal?

"Break new ground" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It appears in news articles, scientific publications, and general discussions. Its register is relatively neutral.

What's the difference between "break new ground" and "improve"?

"Break new ground" suggests a fundamental, innovative change, whereas "improve" implies making something better. If you are making a small, incremental change use "improve". If you are making a fundamental, innovative change use "break new ground".