a big breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big breakthrough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant advancement or discovery in a particular field or context. Example: "The researchers announced a big breakthrough in cancer treatment that could change the lives of millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a big breakthrough was made just over a decade ago, when the national team started winning a few World Cup qualifiers.

BBC

A big breakthrough.

The New York Times

That is a big breakthrough.

The Economist

And that was a big breakthrough.

University of California, Berkeley

It's a big breakthrough for him.

The New York Times - Sports

A big breakthrough for BBC telly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

CubeSats are a big breakthrough in affordable space science.

University of California, Berkeley

Burson-Marsteller was a big breakthrough in my career.

The New York Times

"There's not going to be a big breakthrough.

The New York Times

Hopes were dashed for a big breakthrough in obesity treatment.

The New York Times

Introducing Clare's law was a big breakthrough, he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big breakthrough" to emphasize the significance of a discovery or achievement, especially when you want to highlight its impact and importance in a particular field or situation.

Common error

While "a big breakthrough" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "progress" or "success" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big breakthrough" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant advancement or discovery in a particular field. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, affirming its role in identifying substantial progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big breakthrough" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a significant advancement or discovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its use should be tailored to the specific context, avoiding overuse in purely informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "a major advancement" or "a game-changing innovation" to vary your language while maintaining the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major advancement

Focuses on the progressive nature of the achievement; less emphatic than "breakthrough".

a significant development

Highlights the importance and impact of the event, suitable in more formal contexts.

a game-changing innovation

Emphasizes the transformative effect of the new idea or product.

a revolutionary step

Stresses the radical and transformative nature of the progress.

a pivotal moment

Indicates a turning point that significantly alters the course of events.

a landmark achievement

Highlights the historical importance and lasting impact of the accomplishment.

a groundbreaking discovery

Emphasizes the novelty and unprecedented nature of the finding.

a notable success

Focuses on the positive outcome and favorable results achieved.

a substantial leap forward

Highlights the considerable progress made, suggesting a significant improvement.

an important milestone

Signifies a key stage or event in a process or journey.

FAQs

How can I use "a big breakthrough" in a sentence?

Use "a big breakthrough" to describe a significant advancement or achievement. For example, "The development of this new technology represents a big breakthrough in renewable energy".

What can I say instead of "a big breakthrough"?

You can use alternatives like "a major advancement", "a significant development", or "a game-changing innovation" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a big breakthrough" in formal writing?

While "a big breakthrough" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider the tone and audience. In some cases, more formal alternatives like "a substantial leap forward" or "a landmark achievement" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a big breakthrough" and "a small improvement"?

"A big breakthrough" denotes a significant and impactful advancement, while "a small improvement" suggests a minor enhancement or change. The former has a greater effect and importance than the latter.