a massive step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or advancement in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a massive step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a massive step forward.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Political leaders even considering consulting on their budget is a massive step forward.

The Guardian

"We took a massive step forward today and I thought our attitude was great.

The Guardian - Sport

David Cameron warned of a continuing threat from "extremist terrorism" but hailed a "massive step forward".

The Guardian

"It's massive; it's a massive step forward," Foley said when asked about what the team's success in London means.

The New York Times - Sports

"Being taken under the wing of the men's club is a massive step forward for us," Wilkes said.

The Guardian - Sport

He thought the absence of private developer involvement among the Cressingham Gardens options was a "massive step forward".

The Guardian

That approach isn't ideal, but it's politically and legally achievable – and a massive step forward for climate action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whoever emerges with regional bragging rights, it's still a massive step forward for the tiny nation that's not even formally recognised as a country.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was such a massive step forward for me, and Team Sky, but I've not dwelled on it as much as other past successes.

The Guardian - Sport

Residents hoping to turn the disused Royal Park Primary School in Hyde Park into a community centre have taken a massive step forward in their campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a massive step forward" to highlight significant improvements or advancements, especially when emphasizing the scale or importance of the progress.

Common error

While "a massive step forward" is impactful, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language with synonyms like "significant leap" or "major breakthrough" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive step forward" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a significant advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Technology

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive step forward" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote significant progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, sport, and technology. While versatile, it's best used to emphasize the magnitude of the improvement. Remember to vary your language to prevent overuse. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, marking it as a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant leap

Focuses on the magnitude of the advance, similar to "massive" but with a different metaphor.

a major breakthrough

Emphasizes a sudden, important discovery or achievement.

a considerable advance

Highlights the substantial nature of the progress.

a giant stride

Emphasizes the scale of the progression, using a physical analogy.

a quantum leap

Implies a fundamental change or advancement.

a great leap forward

Uses "great" instead of "massive", providing a slightly more general sense of progress.

an important development

Focuses on the significance of the event or change.

a substantial improvement

Emphasizes the positive change in quality or condition.

a marked progression

Highlights the noticeable advancement over time.

a noteworthy advancement

Stresses the remarkable quality of the progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a massive step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "a massive step forward" to describe significant progress or improvement. For example, "The new technology is "a massive step forward" in efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "a massive step forward"?

Alternatives include "significant leap", "major breakthrough", or "substantial improvement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a big step forward" or "a massive step forward"?

"A massive step forward" emphasizes a larger degree of progress compared to "a big step forward". The choice depends on the magnitude of the advancement you want to convey.

Can "a massive step forward" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a massive step forward" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as evidenced by its usage in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. The phrase is widely accepted across different registers.