a groundbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a groundbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is innovative, revolutionary, or significantly different from what has come before, often in the context of research, technology, or art. Example: "The scientist's research led to a groundbreaking discovery that changed the way we understand climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was a groundbreaking experiment.

The New Yorker

But it's still a groundbreaking change.

The New York Times

A groundbreaking is scheduled early next year.

The New York Times - Arts

This isn't a groundbreaking finding.

The Guardian

It's not a groundbreaking book.

The New York Times - Books

That in itself is a groundbreaking achievement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was a groundbreaking thing to do.

The Guardian

But it wasn't a groundbreaking moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The White House released a groundbreaking report on climate change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it doesn't sound like a groundbreaking update.

TechCrunch

A groundbreaking party was planned for early May.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a groundbreaking" to highlight the innovative and transformative nature of a subject, emphasizing its departure from established norms and its potential to inspire change. Be cautious not to overuse the phrase; reserve it for truly exceptional advancements.

Common error

Avoid using "a groundbreaking" to describe minor improvements or changes that do not represent a significant advancement or innovation. Ensure that the subject truly warrants such a strong descriptor to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a groundbreaking" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize the noun's innovative and transformative qualities. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used to describe discoveries, reports, achievements, and initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a groundbreaking" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something innovative, revolutionary, or significantly different. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is classified as "very common", with a primary presence in News & Media and Science. The analysis reveals that it is used to highlight exceptional and transformative aspects, often with a neutral to formal register. When using "a groundbreaking", it's best to emphasize genuine innovation and avoid overstating minor improvements. Alternative phrases like "a revolutionary" or "an innovative" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revolutionary

Emphasizes radical change and departure from the norm.

an innovative

Highlights the introduction of new ideas or methods.

a pioneering

Stresses the act of being the first to explore or develop something.

a trailblazing

Suggests the creation of a new path or approach.

a cutting-edge

Focuses on the most advanced or state-of-the-art aspects.

a transformative

Indicates a significant change or alteration.

a precedent-setting

Highlights the establishment of a new standard or example.

a game-changing

Emphasizes a fundamental shift in strategy or approach.

a landmark

Highlights the importance and significance of something.

a radical

Suggests a dramatic departure from traditional norms or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "a groundbreaking" in a sentence?

Use "a groundbreaking" to describe innovations, discoveries, or events that significantly alter existing paradigms or establish new precedents. For example, "The study presented a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment".

What can I say instead of "a groundbreaking"?

You can use alternatives like "a revolutionary", "an innovative", or "a pioneering" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a groundbreaking discovery" or "an groundbreaking discovery"?

"A groundbreaking discovery" is correct. "Groundbreaking" begins with a consonant sound, so the indefinite article "a" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a groundbreaking" and "a novel" approach?

"A groundbreaking" approach suggests a significantly innovative and precedent-setting method, while "a novel" approach simply indicates something new or different, without necessarily implying the same level of impact or significance.