a groundbreaking development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a groundbreaking development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an innovation or advancement that significantly changes a field or industry. Example: "The introduction of the new technology is considered a groundbreaking development in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But today, ending months of speculation and rumour, this newspaper announces a groundbreaking development in the modern history of the media: a pair of web-connected "augmented reality" spectacles that will beam its journalism directly into the wearer's visual field, enabling users to see the world through the Guardian's eyes at all times.

The Guardian

If the decision does hold up, this will be a groundbreaking development.

Forbes

In a groundbreaking development, neuroscientists have demonstrated a brain-computer interface that can translate brain signals detected from outside the skull into both horizontal and vertical movement of a computer cursor.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the company has indicated it will try to use the platform across its retail channel, a potentially groundbreaking development.

Forbes

Groundbreaking project Under the banner of "Hana Linux" - literally "One" Linux - the two countries have agreed to work on a groundbreaking IT development project that might shatter the final Cold War boundary.

The Guardian - Tech

The "groundbreaking development for the media and gaming industries" will provide "a unique way for advertisers to connect directly with gamers", she said.

The Guardian

Until now, until this groundbreaking development by the school district, these brave men and women were worse than forgotten — their judgment was questioned.

Los Angeles Times

The most groundbreaking development in antiplatelet therapy in recent years has been the development of the intravenous GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists (eptifibatide, abciximab [ReoPro® Centocor, Eli Lilly], tirofiban [Aggrastat®, Merck Co Inc]).

Core Evidence

A word that conjures up groundbreaking developments in ideas and sensibilities?

The New York Times

Creating a social media space where customers are heard can foster a fertile idea space for new and groundbreaking developments.

Forbes

He was a well-known inventor of x-ray technology and groundbreaking developments including cobalt therapy for cancer, nuclear imaging diagnostics and the use of ultrasound for oceanography, which was adapted for medical imaging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a groundbreaking development", ensure that the context clearly establishes the field or area being impacted by the development. This provides clarity and reinforces the significance of the advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "a groundbreaking development" to describe minor improvements or changes. Reserve this phrase for innovations that truly revolutionize a field or have a wide-ranging impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a groundbreaking development" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'groundbreaking' modifies the noun 'development.' It describes a particular kind of event or achievement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a groundbreaking development" is a phrase used to describe innovations or advancements that significantly impact a field or industry. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the transformative nature of the development to avoid overstating its impact. Consider alternatives such as "a revolutionary advancement" or "a significant breakthrough" to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revolutionary advancement

Replaces 'groundbreaking' with 'revolutionary', highlighting the radical nature of the advancement.

a significant breakthrough

Substitutes 'groundbreaking' with 'significant' and 'development' with 'breakthrough', focusing on the importance of the achievement.

a game-changing innovation

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the innovation.

a pioneering achievement

Highlights the innovative and trail-blazing nature of the accomplishment.

a watershed moment

Indicates a turning point or a significant event marking a new direction.

a transformative step

Focuses on the capacity of the step to change things in an important way.

a landmark achievement

Stresses the historical importance and enduring impact.

a cutting-edge advance

Highlights the modern and technologically advanced aspect.

an unprecedented innovation

Points out that this is an innovation that has never happened, been done, or been known before.

a major leap forward

Emphasizes the forward movement and substantial progress.

FAQs

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

Use "a groundbreaking development" to describe an innovation or advancement that significantly changes a field or industry. For example, "The introduction of AI is considered "a groundbreaking development" in renewable energy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a revolutionary advancement", "a significant breakthrough", or "a game-changing innovation" depending on the context.

What distinguishes "a groundbreaking development" from "a notable improvement"?

"A groundbreaking development" implies a fundamental shift or transformation, while "a notable improvement" suggests a more incremental or less impactful change. A groundbreaking development is transformative, whereas a notable improvement is additive.

Is it appropriate to describe an incremental change as "a groundbreaking development"?

No, using "a groundbreaking development" for an incremental change would be an overstatement. "A notable improvement" or "a positive step" would be more appropriate in such cases.