a great breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great breakthrough" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant discovery, development, or achievement. Example: The scientist's research led to a great breakthrough in the field of renewable energy, providing a sustainable solution for future generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was a great breakthrough.

The New York Times - Arts

Both sides have claimed a great breakthrough.

The Economist

(The Marathon Plate was a great breakthrough).

The Guardian - Tech

It was very simple, but a great breakthrough.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a great breakthrough: once seen, never forgotten.

The Guardian - Arts

Suppose that in 50 years a great breakthrough extends the average lifespan by hundreds of years.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It is predicated that a greater breakthrough in theory and practice of regenerative medicine will be achieved in the near future (20 to 30 years).

Chinese Journal of Traumatology

"We don't expect any great breakthrough," Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson said in an interview tonight.

The New York Times

Dustin Hoffman was the great breakthrough: a short, runty, big-nosed scruff whose main selling point to the late 60s counterculture was that he didn't look anything like Charlton Heston.

The Guardian - Film

In light of all this, it might seem a wonder that the great breakthrough of the Laff Box -- its ability to blend recorded laughter and other audience-sound loops to a create a huge range of prefab audible mirth -- has been used widely and consistently for decades.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the day that physicists are predicting for a great scientific breakthrough: the first direct detection of gravitational waves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a great breakthrough", provide specific details about what made the achievement significant and its potential impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the breakthrough. Ensure your claims are supported by evidence and realistic assessments of its potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great breakthrough" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant achievement or discovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great breakthrough" is a common and correct way to describe a significant achievement or discovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to highlight the importance and impact of advancements. When using this phrase, provide specific details to underscore the significance of the breakthrough and avoid exaggerating its effects. Consider alternatives like "a significant advance" or "a major step forward" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advance

Focuses on the idea of moving forward and making progress.

a major step forward

Emphasizes the importance of the advancement.

a remarkable achievement

Highlights the accomplishment aspect of the breakthrough.

a pivotal development

Stresses the turning point or critical nature of the event.

a game-changing innovation

Highlights the transformative effect of the breakthrough.

a revolutionary discovery

Emphasizes the radical and innovative nature of the finding.

a groundbreaking invention

Focuses on the creation of something entirely new and innovative.

a watershed moment

Signifies a turning point with lasting consequences.

an unprecedented success

Emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the achievement.

a historic turning point

Highlights the significance and long-term impact of the event.

FAQs

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

Use "a great breakthrough" to highlight a significant achievement or discovery. For example: "The development of the new vaccine represents "a great breakthrough" in the fight against the disease."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant advance", "a major step forward", or "a remarkable achievement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a great breakthrough" or "an outstanding breakthrough"?

Both "a great breakthrough" and "an outstanding breakthrough" are correct, but they convey slightly different levels of emphasis. "Outstanding" suggests something exceptionally remarkable.

What's the difference between "a great breakthrough" and "a considerable breakthrough"?

"A great breakthrough" indicates a significant advancement, while "a considerable breakthrough" suggests a notable but possibly less dramatic advancement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the achievement you wish to convey.