a major leap forward

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a major leap forward".

Independent

'For the government to accept that institutional racism exists is a major leap forward.

The Guardian

We'll also take a major leap forward in modernizing and improving emergency communications.

The New York Times

Cancer Australia's chief executive, Dr Helen Zorbas, said the data represented a "major leap forward" for cancer control in Australia.

The Guardian

A major leap forward toward this goal is developing a quantitative tool to predict spatial and temporal bone formation in scaffold.

Biomaterials

SEVEN months ago, Haruko Obokata (pictured) stormed into Japan's public consciousness in a nationally televised press conference in which she claimed a major leap forward in regenerative medicine.

The Economist

Doctors called her progress "a major leap forward" but expressed caution, saying that for now, they would not upgrade Ms. Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, from critical condition.

The New York Times

Richard Lane of the National Science Foundation said, "Human comprehension of the history of life on Earth is taking a major leap forward".

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES – A quest by Warner Brothers to rid its Superman character of legal entanglements just took a major leap forward.

The New York Times

So we want to use the next parliament to make a major leap forward on the environmental agenda across the board.

The Guardian

If true, this would represent a major leap forward in the country's nuclear program because thermonuclear devices are more powerful and difficult to build.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major leap forward", ensure the context clearly defines what specific aspect is significantly advancing. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major leap forward" for minor or incremental changes. Reserve it for truly transformative advancements to maintain credibility and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major leap forward" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It describes a significant advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major leap forward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatile nature makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business communications. However, be mindful of overstating the significance of changes and ensure the context clearly defines the specific advancement. While alternatives such as "a significant advancement" or "a substantial improvement" exist, "a major leap forward" specifically emphasizes a transformative and impactful step. Ludwig's examples highlight its application in diverse scenarios, confirming its widespread acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Replaces 'leap forward' with a more general term for progress.

a substantial improvement

Substitutes 'leap forward' with a phrase emphasizing the degree of betterment.

a breakthrough achievement

Emphasizes the sudden and significant nature of the progress.

a game-changing development

Highlights the transformative impact of the advancement.

a quantum jump

Uses a scientific term to indicate a discrete and large change.

a step change

Highlights a non-incremental change.

a considerable stride

Uses 'stride' to suggest a long step forward.

a marked upgrade

Focuses on the enhanced quality or functionality.

a giant stride

Emphasizes the magnitude of the step.

a sea change

Implies a profound and comprehensive transformation.

FAQs

What does "a major leap forward" mean?

The phrase "a major leap forward" signifies a substantial and significant advancement or improvement in a particular field, process, or situation. It suggests progress that is not merely incremental but represents a considerable step change.

How can I use "a major leap forward" in a sentence?

You can use "a major leap forward" to describe technological advancements, scientific discoveries, or significant improvements in various sectors. For instance, "The new software represents "a major leap forward" in data analysis capabilities."

Which is a better phrase, "a major leap forward" or "a significant improvement"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a major leap forward" implies a more substantial and transformative change compared to "a significant improvement". The choice depends on the magnitude of the advancement you wish to convey.

What are some alternatives to "a major leap forward"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advancement", "a substantial improvement", or "a breakthrough achievement" to express a similar idea.