a significant advance

USAGE SUMMARY

'a significant advance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a notable advancement in a particular area of interest or research. For example, "The development of the vaccine was a significant advance in the fight against the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

underwater -- represents a significant advance in submarine warfare.

The New York Times

Mental health campaigners welcomed the promise as a significant advance.

The Guardian

But a closer look reveals a significant advance: hey, no wires.

The New York Times - Tech

A win for Smith would be a significant advance towards a WBC belt.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dr. Goldstein, who saved Joshua Diaz, says Masimo's product was a significant advance.

The New York Times

This new study marks a significant advance toward the development of this strategy".

The Guardian

But scientists in South Korea are reporting a significant advance toward the development of such devices.

The New York Times - Science

In this context, even half an airport terminal seemed a significant advance.

The Guardian - Travel

It deserves to be passed because it would be a significant advance over the current law.

The New York Times

"It doesn't mean disaster in Europe, but it doesn't argue for a significant advance in the euro".

The New York Times

"This device represents a significant advance in artificial heart technology," said Dr. Daniel Schultz, an F.D.A. official.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant advance", consider specifying the area or field in which the advance is made for greater clarity. For example, "a significant advance in medical technology".

Common error

Avoid using "a significant advance" when the improvement is only incremental or marginal. Ensure that the advancement truly represents a substantial step forward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant advance" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and used to denote an important improvement or breakthrough. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant advance" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a notable improvement or breakthrough across diverse fields. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is considered correct and versatile, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and business contexts. Its function is to emphasize the importance of a particular development. When employing this phrase, it's best to specify the context of the advancement for clarity and to ensure the improvement is genuinely substantial. Ludwig further suggests alternatives like "a major leap forward" or "a notable breakthrough" to add variety to your writing. Use of this phrase in formal writing is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major leap forward

Emphasizes a substantial and impactful step towards progress, implying a greater degree of advancement.

a considerable step up

Highlights the improvement in quality or performance compared to a previous state.

a notable breakthrough

Implies a sudden and important discovery or achievement that removes a barrier to progress.

a marked improvement

Focuses on the clear and easily observable enhancement or positive change.

a substantial upgrade

Suggests a significant enhancement in technology, features, or capabilities.

a great stride

Implies a large and confident step forward in development or achievement.

a positive development

General term for a beneficial change or unfolding of events.

a progressive innovation

Highlights the continuous and forward-thinking nature of the advancement.

a forward thrust

Emphasizes the momentum and drive towards achieving progress.

a quantum leap

Suggests a dramatic and fundamental change or improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant advance" to highlight an important improvement or breakthrough in a particular area. For instance, "The new software represents "a significant advance" in data processing capabilities."

What are some alternatives to "a significant advance"?

Instead of "a significant advance", you could use phrases like "a major breakthrough", "a notable improvement", or "a considerable step up" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a significant advance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a significant advance" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to describe notable progress or advancements.

What's the difference between "a significant advance" and "a minor improvement"?

"A significant advance" indicates a substantial and impactful step forward, while "a minor improvement" suggests a small and less noticeable change. Use "a significant advance" when the change represents a real leap in progress, not just a tweak.