a significant finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant finding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing research results or discoveries that have important implications or relevance. Example: "The study revealed a significant finding that could change the way we approach treatment for the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a significant finding".

The New York Times

That sounds like a significant finding, but, as Abramson shows, it isn't.

The New Yorker

That is a a significant finding, since a large percentage of city students take buses or subways to school.

The New York Times

This is a significant finding with repercussions not just for the immediate family but also for the wider community.

The Guardian

That, in turn, is good evidence of the presence of a starburst.This is a significant finding.

The Economist

A significant finding was that levels of tungsten, a toxic metal, were higher locally than in the 2001 general overview of the population.

The New York Times

That has not happened — a significant finding for Europe, because it is far easier to monitor a virus that exists domestically on farms but not in the wild.

The New York Times

And if we found debris in California, Arizona, New Mexico, along the ground path, certainly, that would be a significant finding to us.

The New York Times

A significant finding of this study is the strong relationship between organization and content.

Language Testing in Asia

A significant finding of this study is that the SED rate can quantify the unloading process.

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics

"It's a significant finding," says Rodolfo Llinas, a neuroscientist at New York University.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant finding" to introduce data or results that have implications for future research or practice. It emphasizes the importance of the information being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant finding" when the results are preliminary or have limited applicability. Ensure the finding genuinely warrants the label of 'significant' based on the study's scope and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant finding" typically functions as a noun phrase. It is often used as a subject complement or appositive, introducing or describing an important result, observation, or conclusion. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it is often used to introduce or highlight critical information from research or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant finding" is a versatile noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular result or observation. Ludwig examples reveal its frequent use in scientific and news contexts, highlighting its suitability for formal and professional discourse. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to ensure that the finding genuinely warrants the label 'significant'. Alternatives include "a notable discovery", "a key result", and "an important observation", each offering a slightly different nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both valid and valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable discovery

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something previously unknown or unrecognized.

a crucial finding

Emphasizes the essential or decisive nature of the discovery for a particular outcome.

a key result

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a study or experiment that holds particular importance.

an important observation

Highlights the act of noticing or perceiving something of consequence.

a noteworthy conclusion

Stresses the significance of the final judgment or decision reached after analysis.

a remarkable insight

Focuses on the depth of understanding gained, often implying surprise or novelty.

a major breakthrough

Suggests a substantial advancement or leap forward in knowledge or understanding.

an interesting revelation

Highlights the unveiling of something previously hidden or unknown in an engaging manner.

a telling outcome

Focuses on the revealing or indicative nature of the result, often suggesting something beyond the surface level.

a consequential observation

Highlights the importance and potential impact of observed events

FAQs

How to use "a significant finding" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant finding" to introduce a crucial result or discovery. For example, "A significant finding of the study was the correlation between exercise and reduced stress levels."

What can I say instead of "a significant finding"?

Alternatives include "a notable discovery", "a key result", or "an important observation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a significant finding" or "significant findings"?

"A significant finding" refers to a single noteworthy result. "Significant findings" refers to multiple noteworthy results.

What makes a finding "significant"?

A finding is "significant" when it has important implications, is statistically relevant, or contributes substantially to the existing body of knowledge. The relevance of the finding should be clear to the readers.