a significant incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an event that has considerable importance or impact in a particular context. Example: "The investigation revealed a significant incident that changed the course of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

London ambulance service said the first crews to arrive on the scene declared it a significant incident.

The Guardian

Emergency services were called around 7.40am to London Road where the London Ambulance service declared the crash a "significant incident".

Independent

GPs in Bedford received a message through an online system for doctors on Tuesday afternoon saying Bedford hospital had declared a significant incident.

The Guardian

They'll also note that "safety pays" in reducing costs, or admit they fear reputational damage following a significant incident at their company.

Harvard Business Review

Constable Darran Doyle, from Merseyside Police's road policing unit, said: "This was a significant incident which has had a devastating impact on a number of families.

Independent

In the medical facility arena there are equipments that protect from potentially hazardous materials and provide lifesaving services to patients or victims of a significant incident.

Hospital Emergency Response Teams Triage for Optimal Disaster Response

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I heard there was a fairly significant incident involving a trampoline at Pomona that helped get you to Napa.

Forbes

This race was no exception although Hamilton wrote a new chapter by causing a controversial significant incident at less than 10 mph.

The Guardian - Sport

The papers have also made much of a retrospectively significant incident from last Wednesday, when a member of the public handed Prince William a baby outfit decorated with a helicopter and the words "Daddy's little co-pilot" — and William smiled as he accepted it.

The New York Times

The Guardian has established that there are eight more hospitals declaring a major or significant incident, meaning they are struggling so much with demand that they are being forced to cancel planned operations or asking people to come to A&E only in an extreme emergency.

The Guardian

The prime minister's intervention coincided with eight more hospitals declaring they had undergone a major or significant incident, taking the total reported so far this winter to 15, as the early stages of the election campaign headed into territory traditionally favourable to Labour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensitive situations, use "a significant incident" to objectively convey seriousness without sensationalizing.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant incident" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "major event" or "critical situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant incident" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" is an adjective modifying the noun "incident". According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant incident" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an event of importance or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across diverse contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business documents. When using this phrase, consider varying your vocabulary to avoid repetition and ensure the tone aligns with the intended audience. Alternatives such as "major event" or "critical situation" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major event

Focuses on the importance of the event, emphasizing its scale.

a notable occurrence

Highlights the remarkability of the event, suggesting it's worth paying attention to.

a critical situation

Emphasizes the urgency and potential danger of the event.

a noteworthy episode

Suggests a particular event that stands out from others in a series.

an important development

Focuses on the progress or change resulting from the event.

a consequential matter

Underlines the importance of the event due to its potential outcomes.

a substantial occurrence

Indicates the event is of considerable size or importance.

a key development

Highlights the event's role as pivotal or essential.

a remarkable happening

Emphasizes the unusual or extraordinary nature of the event.

a momentous occasion

Focuses on the historical or lasting importance of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant incident" to describe an event that had a noteworthy impact or consequence. For example: "The company addressed "a significant incident" that affected its reputation".

What are some alternatives to "a significant incident"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a major event", "a critical situation", or "a notable occurrence".

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

Yes, "a significant incident" is suitable for formal writing, as it maintains a professional and objective tone. However, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the event's impact.

What distinguishes "a significant incident" from "an accident"?

"An accident" typically refers to an unintentional event causing damage or injury. "A significant incident" /s/ a+significant+incident is broader, encompassing events with considerable importance or impact, not necessarily accidental.