a dramatic development

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dramatic development" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a major change that occurs suddenly. For example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was a dramatic development that shocked investors around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Greece would stand to lose as much as Germany after such a dramatic development.

The Guardian

However, in a dramatic development the RMT and TSSA unions agreed to suspend the industrial action.

Independent

The chaotic retreat by Taliban forces from Kabul, and indeed from most of northern Afghanistan, is a dramatic development that did not seem conceivable even a week ago.

The New York Times

It is, of course, possible that a dramatic development will break the impasse at the last minute, leading to an emerging majority party.

The New York Times

What Gibson designates an "attack," Pat Kiernan on NY1 deems "a dramatic development" and predicts, with characteristic understatement, "a serious evacuation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Then in a dramatic development in early September Portuguese police named Madeleine's parents - Kate and Gerry - as arguidos, a move that sparked a slew of allegations against the couple.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We are experiencing characters and a dramatic developments in the world, which indicate that we are increasingly approaching the end times and Jesus' return".

Vice

At the United Nations, Anne W. Patterson, the deputy American ambassador, emerging from a briefing on the detentions by Under Secretary General Ibrahim Gambari, called the arrests "a very dramatic development and a credit to Mr. Mehlis and his team and the U.N".

The New York Times

Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, did her share to foster speculation about a potentially dramatic development, saying before the visits that "If the leaders of Palestine and Israel have the will to meet in China, China is willing to offer necessary assistance".In the end there was no handshake, nor was one ever likely.

The Economist

Greece's banks and stock market were closed on Monday, a new dramatic development in the country's ongoing debt crisis.

Huffington Post

Despite North Korea's request to the I.A.E.A., Mr. Hill said he did not expect "any dramatic developments in a matter of days," indicating that a resumption of nuclear production could be weeks or months away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dramatic development" to emphasize the suddenness and significance of a change, especially when the change has a considerable impact on the surrounding situation. For example, "The sudden resignation of the CEO was a dramatic development for the company".

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic development" to describe trivial or insignificant changes. This can dilute the impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Instead, reserve it for truly noteworthy events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dramatic development" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a situation marked by sudden and considerable change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dramatic development" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden and significant change or event. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, as validated by Ludwig AI. This phrase emphasizes the impact and often unexpected nature of the situation. Related phrases like "a significant turn of events" or "a major breakthrough" offer similar but nuanced meanings. When using this phrase, it's essential to reserve it for truly noteworthy events to avoid diluting its impact, and it's also important to consider the context, ensuring it aligns with the formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant turn of events

Focuses on the event as a turning point; less emphasis on the speed or intensity of the change.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a positive and important advancement; typically used in scientific or technological contexts.

a game changer

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the development; often used in business or sports.

a sudden shift

Focuses on the abruptness of the change, without necessarily implying a positive or negative outcome.

a rapid evolution

Highlights the speed of the unfolding change; emphasizes a gradual rather than sudden process of change.

an unexpected twist

Emphasizes the surprise element of the development; suitable for narrative or plot-driven contexts.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the importance of the moment in determining future outcomes; emphasizes significance and impact.

a remarkable turnabout

Stresses a complete reversal of a previous situation; suggests a significant change in direction.

a sea change

Highlights a significant and fundamental shift in approach, attitude, or conditions; implies a broad and sweeping transformation.

an unforeseen occurrence

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event; may imply a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.

FAQs

How can I use "a dramatic development" in a sentence?

You can use "a dramatic development" to introduce a significant and sudden change in a situation. For example, "The discovery of the new evidence was "a dramatic development" in the investigation.".

What's the difference between "a dramatic development" and "a significant event"?

"A dramatic development" often implies a sudden and impactful change, whereas "a significant event" simply highlights the importance of an occurrence without necessarily implying suddenness or change. A "significant event" might be planned or gradual, while a dramatic development is usually unexpected and rapid.

Are there any situations where using "a dramatic development" would be inappropriate?

Using "a dramatic development" might be inappropriate in very formal or academic contexts that require more neutral language. Also, avoid using it for minor or trivial changes, as it can sound exaggerated. Using "a major turn of events" could be a good alternative.

What can I say instead of "a dramatic development"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant turn of events", "a major breakthrough", or "a game changer" to convey a similar meaning.