a significant discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an important discovery that someone or a group has made. Example: The scientists' significant discovery of a new kind of particle has been hailed as a breakthrough in the field of particle physics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"This is a significant discovery but we cannot say this is conclusive".

The New York Times

By then, the scientists involved realized they had a significant discovery on their hands.

The New York Times

The mural is also a significant discovery for the National Trust.

The Guardian - Arts

He said he doesn't pay attention to "tiniest" reports, but the frogs themselves are a significant discovery.

The Guardian

Two weeks ago, as Americans were preoccupied playing Groundhog War in Iraq, a significant discovery was announced in Canada.

The New Yorker

Mr. Potvin called this a "significant discovery," and the slaves' room is now part of the house tour.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A significant breakthrough discovery was unearthed by the Linus Pauling Institute and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, United States earlier this year.

Huffington Post

"This is a very significant discovery," said Natalie Doran, an environmental scientist with Wessex Water.

BBC

"It's a pretty significant discovery," says Stefan Umbreit, an astrophysicist at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, who was not part of the team.

Science Magazine

A most significant discovery was the Roman and Byzantine Cardo, a street running from the vicinity of the Zion Gate through the restored Jewish quarter to its Crusader part and crossing the Old City bazaars.

Britannica

One of the scientists involved in the study of the new dinosaur, Professor Michael Benton, from the University of Bristol, said it was a very significant discovery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant discovery", ensure the context clearly indicates the field or area to which the discovery is significant. For example, "a significant discovery in the field of medicine" provides more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant discovery" to describe minor or incremental findings. Reserve it for truly impactful breakthroughs or revelations, as overuse can dilute its meaning and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant discovery" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes something new that has been found and holds importance or consequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Science & Research

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant discovery" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote an important new finding. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is widely used across various reputable sources, including news, science, and research publications. It's most common purpose is to highlight the relevance and impact of a discovery, marking it as something noteworthy. When using this phrase, ensure that the context highlights what makes the discovery significant and avoid overusing it for minor findings. Alternatives such as "a major breakthrough" or "an important finding" can also be used based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major breakthrough

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the discovery.

an important finding

Focuses on the relevance and value of the discovered information.

a noteworthy revelation

Highlights the surprising or previously unknown aspect of the discovery.

a ground-breaking innovation

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the finding.

a remarkable achievement

Emphasizes the skill and effort involved in making the discovery.

a crucial insight

Focuses on the understanding gained from the discovery.

a seminal development

Highlights the influential and foundational nature of the finding.

a key advancement

Emphasizes the progress and improvement resulting from the discovery.

an unprecedented finding

Highlights the uniqueness and novelty of the finding.

a game-changing result

Emphasizes the disruptive and transformative potential of the discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant discovery" to highlight the importance of a new finding. For example, "The scientist made "a significant discovery" that could revolutionize cancer treatment."

What are some alternatives to "a significant discovery"?

You can use alternatives like "a major breakthrough", "an important finding", or "a noteworthy revelation" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a significant discovery" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific reports, news articles, and academic papers where highlighting the importance of a finding is crucial. It conveys the relevance and impact of the discovery.

What makes a discovery "significant"?

A discovery is considered "significant" when it has a notable impact on a field, changes existing understanding, solves a major problem, or opens up new avenues for research or innovation. The term signifies that the discovery is more than just a minor observation; it's a game-changing result.