a major advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or progress in a particular field or area. Example: "The new technology represents a major advance in renewable energy solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a major advance.

The New Yorker

"I think it's a major advance.

Independent

"Is it a major advance for diabetes?

The New York Times - Health

A dual launching would have been a major advance.

The New York Times

That would be a major advance beyond the 2006 test.

The New York Times

The precision-guided missiles could represent a major advance.

The New York Times

Yet the chosen women, and some others, are calling the appointments a major advance.

The New York Times

Finally, around 1994, the two men judged that they had a major advance.

The New York Times - Science

Other experts in the field said the results were a major advance.

The New York Times - Health

"This arrest is a major break, a major advance in the investigation," Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

But he said the requirement that companies conduct studies was a major advance.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major advance", provide specific details about what has improved or progressed. This adds credibility and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major advance" to describe minor improvements. Reserve this phrase for developments that truly represent substantial progress in a field or area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major advance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive to describe something else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major advance" is a widely used phrase to denote significant progress or improvement, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, be mindful of the context and ensure the described advancement warrants the descriptor. Remember to provide specifics to enhance credibility and avoid overstating the significance of minor developments. Consider using alternatives like "a significant leap" or "a substantial breakthrough" for variety and nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant leap

Emphasizes the extent of the progress made.

a substantial breakthrough

Highlights the innovative nature and impact of the achievement.

a considerable stride

Suggests a notable step forward in development or understanding.

a giant step

Implies a large and important advancement, often in a broader context.

a quantum leap

Indicates a sudden and significant change or advance.

a game changer

Focuses on the transformative impact of the advancement.

a watershed moment

Signifies a turning point or a significant event leading to major changes.

a great leap forward

Emphasizes progress and improvement in a more general way.

a noteworthy development

Highlights the importance and interest of the advancement.

a remarkable step forward

Highlights the exceptional nature of the advance.

FAQs

How can I use "a major advance" in a sentence?

Use "a major advance" to describe a significant improvement or progress in a particular field. For example, "The new drug represents a major advance in cancer treatment".

What's the difference between "a major advance" and "a significant leap"?

"A major advance" generally refers to progress, while "a significant leap" emphasizes the magnitude and suddenness of the progress. While both terms describe positive change, "a significant leap" suggests a more dramatic shift.

What can I say instead of "a major advance"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial breakthrough", "a considerable stride", or "a significant leap" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a major advance"?

No, it is not always appropriate. Use "a major advance" when describing a development that has a significant impact. Avoid using it for minor improvements or incremental changes.