a momentous development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a momentous development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or change that is significant or has far-reaching consequences. Example: "The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous development in the history of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is a momentous development, I think.

The Washington Post

Andrew Steer, the chief executive of the World Resources Institute, said it was a "momentous development" for America's efforts to deal with climate change.

The Guardian

Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute, called the EPA proposal a "momentous development" that "raises the bar for controlling carbon emissions in the United States".

The Guardian

The Spartans sent Phoebidas north, but in a momentous development he was asked into Thebes en route by a pro-Spartan faction there.

Britannica

For the 2006 census, pug counting was combined with camera trapping and prey and habitat assessment, and in 2007 the census undertook the new strategy of radio-collaring representative Sundarbans tigers — a momentous development.

The New Yorker

Gen. Pervez Musharraf's new crackdown on violent Islamic groups in Pakistan, which has already led to dozens of arrests, is a momentous development that should help defuse the confrontation with India.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Should a deal go through, it would be a rather momentous development for the agency, which must replace several thousand patrol cars, as well as for Ford, which is trying to convince law enforcement departments across the nation to put their trust in the Explorer with the Police Interceptor package, known officially as the Ford Police Interceptor utility.

The New York Times

Hugh Marks told staff on Thursday the deal marked a "truly momentous development" for Nine.

The Guardian

Brian Terry's mother, Josephine Terry, called the indictment a "truly momentous" development, but criticized the Justice Department for not holding the organizers of Fast and Furious more accountable.

Los Angeles Times

"We really have a period of momentous development in molecular-scale electronics," said Dr. James C. Ellenbogen, a pioneer in molecular electronics.

The New York Times

Increased calls for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be stripped from Russia and Qatar have followed the decision by Sepp Blatter to stand down as the Fifa president, with many heralding the momentous development as an opportunity for transparency and democracy to return to the world game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a momentous development" to emphasize the significant and lasting impact of an event or change. Ensure the context clearly establishes the importance and scope of the development being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a momentous development" for minor or trivial changes. Reserve it for events with considerable long-term implications to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a momentous development" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage in denoting a significant event or change, as demonstrated by the various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a momentous development" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe an event or change of significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "a significant development", it carries a stronger emphasis on long-term impact. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the weight and importance it conveys to accurately reflect the event's magnitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant breakthrough

Replaces 'development' with 'breakthrough', implying a sudden and important advancement.

a landmark event

Focuses on the historical importance of the event.

a pivotal turning point

Emphasizes the change in direction or outcome caused by the event.

a game-changing advancement

Highlights the disruptive and transformative nature of the progress.

a critical juncture

Implies that the situation is at a crucial stage requiring careful consideration.

a substantial leap forward

Highlights the extent of progress achieved.

a notable milestone

Highlights that the development represents a key achievement in a longer process.

a transformative innovation

Emphasizes the innovative and far-reaching impact of the change.

a watershed moment

Suggests a point after which things will be fundamentally different.

a ground-breaking discovery

Highlights the originality and innovative characteristics of the development.

FAQs

How can I use "a momentous development" in a sentence?

Use "a momentous development" to describe a significant event or change. For instance, "The discovery of the new vaccine was "a momentous development" in the fight against the disease".

What are some alternatives to "a momentous development"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant breakthrough", "a landmark event", or "a pivotal turning point" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a momentous development"?

It's appropriate when describing something that has a lasting impact or is particularly important. Make sure the event or change you are describing truly warrants such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "a momentous development" and "a significant development"?

"A momentous development" implies a greater degree of importance and lasting impact than "a significant development". "Momentous" suggests the event will be remembered or have long-term consequences.