a great leap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great leap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial advancement, change, or progress in a particular area. Example: "The invention of the internet represented a great leap in communication technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a great leap of faith.

The New Yorker

That is a great leap backwards.

The Guardian

It's a great leap of faith.

The Guardian - Film

If not, it could be a great leap backwards.

The Economist

"Iltar," from 1976, makes a great leap toward "Aten Reign".

The New York Times - Arts

I can see the creature considering a great leap.

The Guardian - Travel

Under Jürgen Klinsmann we have made a great leap forward".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was such a great leap forward," he said.

The New York Times

Victorious, she gives a great leap and a shout.

The New York Times - Tech

These conditions were conducive to a great leap forward but not sufficient.

The Economist

At the very least it constitutes a great leap toward a police state.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great leap" to describe significant advancements or changes, especially when highlighting the magnitude of the progress.

Common error

While "a great leap" is impactful, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great leap" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" is an adjective modifying the noun "leap". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe a significant change or advancement. The phrase often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great leap" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a significant advancement or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal writing and commonly appears in news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider synonyms such as "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" to avoid redundancy. It's worth noting that the expression can be used both in a positive and a negative sense. Remember to emphasize the magnitude of the progress by using "a great leap".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leap forward

Slightly more direct synonym, less emphatic than the original.

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the progress made rather than the act of leaping.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

a considerable stride

Suggests steady and impactful progress.

a giant step

Implies a large and impactful change, often in a metaphorical sense.

a quantum jump

Indicates a sudden and discontinuous change.

a sea change

Refers to a profound or notable transformation.

a marked improvement

Focuses on the positive change or enhancement.

a dramatic shift

Highlights the sudden and noticeable nature of the change.

a substantial change

Emphasizes the degree of alteration rather than the manner.

FAQs

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

Use "a great leap" to describe a significant advancement or progress. For example: "The new technology represents "a great leap" in medical science".

What's the difference between "a great leap" and "a leap forward"?

"A great leap" emphasizes the magnitude of the advancement, whereas "a leap forward" simply indicates progress in a positive direction.

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant advancement", "a major breakthrough", or "a considerable stride" depending on the context.

Is "a great leap" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a great leap" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the significance of an advancement. However, consider the specific context and audience, and choose alternatives like "a significant advancement" for particularly formal settings.