a groundbreaking idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a groundbreaking idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea that is innovative, revolutionary, or significantly different from what has been done before. Example: "The scientist presented a groundbreaking idea that could change the way we approach renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It was a groundbreaking idea.

The Guardian - Tech

The history of science tells us that anyone who came along with a groundbreaking idea was met with opposition.

The Guardian

"The counterintuitive approach to achieving your true potential, heralded by the Harvard Business Review as a groundbreaking idea of the year -- Provided by publisher.

Stanford University

"The counterintuitive approach to achieving your true potential, heralded by the Harvard Business Review as a groundbreaking idea of the year.

Stanford University

Each highly readable volume contains a groundbreaking idea that continues to shape best practices and inspire countless managers around the world.

Harvard Business Review

Each highly readable volume contains a groundbreaking idea that continues to shape best practices and inspire countless managers around the world-and will have a direct impact on you today and for years to come.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I ask Alexandros what makes their study unique: "I think the main thing is that it's a truly groundbreaking idea and a highly affordable solution within the boundaries of a permanent home plan.

Vice

Under his direction, Blippar has grown from groundbreaking idea to an industry leader.

TechCrunch

The entrepreneur is often portrayed as the swashbuckling individualist, battling unbelievers to create a business around his or her groundbreaking idea.

BBC

"Using Bit Torrent for bootleg trading was a groundbreaking new idea," Mr. Wagner wrote in an e-mail message about the computer program that powers both sites.

The New York Times

When Nieman published his findings in 1990, the elite athlete paradox was a groundbreaking new idea, leading to a wealth of interest from human performance experts to immunologists who began researching the underlying molecular processes in more detail than ever before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use strong verbs to emphasize the transformative nature of "a groundbreaking idea". For instance, instead of saying 'it is groundbreaking', say 'it revolutionizes' or 'it transforms'.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope and potential of the idea. Ensure claims are supported by evidence or logical reasoning to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a groundbreaking idea" functions as a noun phrase that describes a concept or innovation. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting the innovative or revolutionary nature of the idea. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a groundbreaking idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an innovative concept with significant potential impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, emphasize the novelty and potential impact of the idea, while avoiding exaggeration. Alternatives like "an innovative concept" or "a revolutionary notion" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an innovative concept

This alternative emphasizes the novelty and inventiveness of the idea.

a revolutionary notion

This alternative highlights the potential for significant change and impact.

a pioneering thought

This suggests the idea is one of the first of its kind, leading the way for others.

a transformative concept

This emphasizes the potential of the idea to cause major changes.

a cutting-edge innovation

Focuses on the advanced and modern nature of the idea.

a game-changing proposal

This highlights the potential of the idea to alter the existing landscape.

a paradigm-shifting theory

Implies a fundamental change in understanding or approach.

an unprecedented approach

This underlines the uniqueness and originality of the idea.

a novel method

This alternative simplifies the term to emphasize the newness of the technique.

an original perspective

This focuses on the fresh and unique viewpoint offered by the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a groundbreaking idea" to describe an innovative concept that has the potential to change the way things are done. For example: "The scientist presented "a groundbreaking idea" for curing cancer".

What's a less formal way to say "a groundbreaking idea"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a game-changing concept" or "a really new idea" to convey a similar meaning.

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

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

What distinguishes "a groundbreaking idea" from just "a good idea"?

"A groundbreaking idea" implies a significant departure from existing norms and the potential for substantial impact, whereas "a good idea" might simply be effective or beneficial within the current framework.