a giant step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a giant step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or advancement in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a giant step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a giant step forward.

The Washington Post

These trials are a giant step forward.

The New York Times

This is a giant step forward".

The Guardian - Sport

Chase Whale: "This is a giant step forward.

The Guardian - Film

A universal or dynamic benefit is a giant step forward.

The Guardian

That will be a giant step forward for U.S. election integrity.

University of California, Berkeley

"This is a giant step forward," Attorney General John Ashcroft said.

The New York Times

This would be a giant step forward in the rebirth of Sullivan County".

The New York Times

"It's a giant step forward for the future of the library," she said.

The New York Times

Mr. Markey called the proposal for a national registry "a giant step forward".

The New York Times

"Right now we've made a giant step forward," said Coach Muffet McGraw of Notre Dame.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a giant step forward" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and importance of an advancement or improvement. It's particularly effective when contrasting with previous, smaller steps.

Common error

While "a giant step forward" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "good progress" or "a big improvement" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a giant step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a significant advancement or improvement, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a giant step forward" is a commonly used phrase signifying a substantial improvement or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse sources, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Related phrases like "a significant leap forward" or "a major breakthrough" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When writing, remember to use this phrase to emphasize the magnitude of the progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant leap forward

Changes "step" to "leap", adding a sense of rapid and impactful advancement.

a massive step forward

Replaces "giant" with "massive", emphasizing the magnitude of the advancement.

a tremendous step forward

Replaces "giant" with "tremendous", stressing the impressive nature of the progress.

a monumental step forward

Emphasizes the historical importance of the advancement by using "monumental".

a substantial step forward

Substitutes "giant" with "substantial", highlighting the importance of the progress.

a quantum leap

Implies a sudden and significant advancement, often in a scientific or technological context.

a great step forward

Uses "great" instead of "giant", providing a more general sense of significant progress.

a major breakthrough

Focuses on the idea of a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

a watershed moment

Highlights the importance of the moment as a turning point or a significant event.

a game changer

Indicates a fundamental shift or alteration in the existing situation.

FAQs

What does "a giant step forward" mean?

It means a significant improvement or advancement in a particular area or situation.

How can I use "a giant step forward" in a sentence?

For example, "The new policy represents "a giant step forward" in our efforts to promote sustainability."

What can I say instead of "a giant step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "a massive step forward", "a significant leap forward", or "a major breakthrough" depending on the context.

Is "a giant step forward" or "a giant leap forward" more appropriate?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a giant step forward" emphasizes gradual progress, while "a giant leap forward" suggests a more sudden and dramatic advancement. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.