a big leap forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big leap forward" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a major positive improvement or advancement, either literal or figurative. For example: "The new technology represents a big leap forward in terms of safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At first, "Atlanta Monster" feels almost like a different genre from "Up and Vanished"—a big leap forward in narrative authority and sophistication.

The New Yorker

Musk declared the spacecraft a big leap forward in technology.

The Guardian - Tech

I heartily congratulated David on what I considered a big leap forward.

Columbia University

The capital's left-wing mayor, Ignazio Marino, expects "a big leap forward" in the city's GDP.

The Economist

Sophie In't Veld of the ALDE liberal group said: "This reform is a big leap forward.

The Guardian - Tech

Occam's corner Forensic DNA profiling might be about to take a big leap forward.

The Guardian

For now, Mr. Obama's challenge to the nation's research community to get started is a big leap forward.

The New York Times

Suddenly Mrs. Merkel is saying "yes," and that could mean a big leap forward in European integration.

The New York Times

While Cardinals Stadium is a big leap forward for stadium architecture in this country, it is also a strange offspring.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Knudsen and Mr. Van Hoy, whose Brooklyn production company is called Parts and Labor, are poised to make a big leap forward at this year's festival.

The New York Times

"Gulp" is a big leap forward for Ms. Roach because it doesn't require her to do any padding or stunt work.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big leap forward" to highlight substantial progress or improvement in a specific area. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being improved and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a big leap forward" for incremental changes or minor improvements. Reserve it for situations where the advancement is genuinely significant and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big leap forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase signals a positive and major improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big leap forward" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe significant progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the progress being described to avoid overstatement. Alternatives include "a significant advancement" or "a major breakthrough", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the progress made.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery or development.

a substantial improvement

Focuses on the measurable betterment achieved.

a considerable stride

Suggests a significant step taken towards a goal.

a giant step

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the advancement.

a quantum leap

Implies a fundamental change or advancement.

a game changer

Highlights that the advancement fundamentally alters the landscape.

a marked progression

Emphasizes the visible nature of the improvement.

a positive development

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of the advancement.

a forward surge

Indicates a sudden and powerful movement towards progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a big leap forward" in a sentence?

Use "a big leap forward" to describe a significant advancement or improvement. For example, "The new software represents "a big leap forward" in data security."

What are some alternatives to "a big leap forward"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advancement", "a major breakthrough", or "a substantial improvement" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big leap forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big leap forward" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing progress in business, technology, or research. However, consider alternatives like "a significant advancement" for a more formal tone if needed.

What's the difference between "a big leap forward" and "a small step forward"?

"A big leap forward" describes substantial progress, whereas "a small step forward" refers to incremental or minor progress. The choice depends on the magnitude of the advancement you are describing.