a historic breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a historic breakthrough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and impactful advancement or discovery in a particular field or context. Example: "The scientists announced a historic breakthrough in cancer research that could change the course of treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Olson told me that Obama's announcement, a year ago Thursday, was "a historic breakthrough, a huge lift for the morale of everyone fighting for marriage equality, and an important moment in the legal proceedings".

The New Yorker

That might just qualify him to make a historic breakthrough.

The Economist

It was such a historic breakthrough at the time.

The New Yorker

Then, in 1939, the Colonel made what is regarded in chicken circles as a historic breakthrough.

The New Yorker

He now has another chance to achieve a historic breakthrough to a once-intractable problem.

The New York Times

By Richard Socarides April 15, 2014 It was such a historic breakthrough at the time.

The New Yorker

Tim Jones, a policy officer for the Jubilee Debt Campaign, said: "This could prove to be a historic breakthrough.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Burg said he presented "the full commitment of Prime Minister Ehud Barak to accomplish a historic breakthrough and agreement".

The New York Times

Much the same happened with the announcement of the interim agreement in 2013 – also hailed as a historic breakthrough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sinn Fein argues that the I.R.A.'s gesture represents a historic breakthrough that Mr. Trimble is ignoring.

The New York Times

Any agreement would represent a historic breakthrough after a decade of diplomatic sparring marked by paralysis and distrust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a historic breakthrough", provide specific details about why the event is considered historic. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a historic breakthrough" for minor or incremental improvements. Reserve this phrase for truly transformative events that have a lasting impact. Overusing it diminishes its power and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a historic breakthrough" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an event or achievement and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage and high frequency, especially in News & Media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a historic breakthrough" is a powerful way to describe a significant and unprecedented achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports its historical significance. Consider alternatives such as "a momentous breakthrough" or "a landmark achievement" to fine-tune your message. However, avoid overusing the phrase, as it can diminish its impact. In essence, "a historic breakthrough" should be reserved for events that truly represent a turning point and lasting change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentous breakthrough

Replaces "historic" with "momentous", emphasizing the importance of the moment.

a landmark achievement

Substitutes "breakthrough" with "achievement", focusing on the accomplishment itself.

a significant advance

Uses "advance" to highlight the progress made.

a game-changing development

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the breakthrough.

a revolutionary innovation

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the breakthrough.

a pivotal advancement

Focuses on the critical and crucial nature of the advancement.

a watershed moment

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the event.

a ground-breaking discovery

Highlights the novel and pioneering nature of the discovery.

a major leap forward

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate significant progress.

an unprecedented success

Focuses on the unparalleled nature of the success.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a historic breakthrough" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a historic breakthrough", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance and impact of the event or achievement. For example, "The development of the vaccine represents "a historic breakthrough" in the fight against the disease".

What phrases can I use instead of "a historic breakthrough"?

You can use alternatives like "a momentous breakthrough", "a landmark achievement", or "a significant advance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a breakthrough "historic"?

A breakthrough is considered "historic" when it represents a significant turning point or unprecedented achievement that has a lasting impact on a particular field, society, or the world. It often involves overcoming long-standing challenges or paving the way for future advancements.

Is it appropriate to use "a historic breakthrough" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "a historic breakthrough" in a business context when a company or industry achieves a truly transformative milestone. This could include developing a groundbreaking product, entering a new market, or implementing a revolutionary business strategy.