a groundbreaking notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a groundbreaking notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea or concept that is innovative and has the potential to change the way people think or act. Example: "The scientist presented a groundbreaking notion that could revolutionize renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At the time, it was a groundbreaking notion: no such institution existed on the African continent, where funding for women's rights was primarily channelled through international NGOs based in the global north.

The Guardian

Being sober at a music festival is not a groundbreaking notion.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Nonetheless, captivating orators such as Charles Webster Leadbeater and Annie Besant theosophists who espoused groundbreaking notions such as women's rights—established centers in Hollywood and inspired the likes of Aldous Huxley.

Vice

Here, the notion of a groundbreaking or experimental pop single seems oxymoronic.

The Guardian

Our findings suggest a groundbreaking concept of 'living bone minerals' that actively communicate with the surrounding system to induce self-healing, while previous notions about bone minerals have been limited to passive products of cellular mineralization.

Biomaterials

It was a groundbreaking experiment.

The New Yorker

A groundbreaking is scheduled early next year.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's still a groundbreaking change.

The New York Times

That in itself is a groundbreaking achievement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was a groundbreaking thing to do.

The Guardian

This isn't a groundbreaking finding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce an idea that challenges existing paradigms or significantly alters established ways of thinking within a specific field or discipline. It signals a departure from conventional wisdom.

Common error

Avoid using "a groundbreaking notion" to describe incremental improvements or minor adjustments. This phrase should be reserved for ideas that represent a significant leap forward, not just a slight variation on existing concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a groundbreaking notion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'groundbreaking' modifies the noun 'notion'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a groundbreaking notion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that introduces an innovative or revolutionary idea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although examples are relatively rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the novelty and potential impact of the idea. Alternatives include "a revolutionary concept" or "an innovative idea". Be mindful of overstating the impact and use this phrase judiciously to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revolutionary concept

Replaces 'groundbreaking' with 'revolutionary' and 'notion' with 'concept', emphasizing the radical nature of the idea.

an innovative idea

Substitutes 'groundbreaking' with 'innovative', highlighting the novelty of the idea, and replaces 'notion' with 'idea'.

a pioneering thought

Replaces 'groundbreaking' with 'pioneering', stressing the leading-edge quality of the thought, and swaps 'notion' for 'thought'.

a novel concept

Uses 'novel' instead of 'groundbreaking' to underscore the newness of the concept, and 'concept' in place of 'notion'.

a transformative idea

Emphasizes the potential for change by using 'transformative' instead of 'groundbreaking', while retaining 'idea' for 'notion'.

a paradigm-shifting concept

Uses stronger, more technical language to convey the revolutionary impact of the concept.

a game-changing idea

Emphasizes the significant impact of the idea, using a more informal expression.

a cutting-edge concept

Highlights the advanced and modern nature of the concept.

a radical thought

Emphasizes the extreme departure from conventional thinking.

a breakthrough idea

Highlights the significant advancement or discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "a groundbreaking notion" to introduce a concept that is innovative and potentially revolutionary. For instance, "The scientist proposed "a groundbreaking notion" that could transform our understanding of the universe." Always ensure the context highlights the novelty and potential impact of the idea.

What are some alternatives to "a groundbreaking notion"?

Alternatives include "a revolutionary concept", "an innovative idea", or "a pioneering thought". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a groundbreaking notion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a groundbreaking notion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where innovation and transformative ideas are being discussed. However, always ensure that the context supports the claim that the notion is truly groundbreaking.

What distinguishes "a groundbreaking notion" from "a novel idea"?

While both terms refer to new concepts, ""a groundbreaking notion"" implies a more significant impact and potential for change than "a novel idea". A groundbreaking notion often challenges existing paradigms, whereas a novel idea simply introduces something new.