a significant leap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant leap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a substantial or notable advancement or improvement in a particular area or context. Example: "The new technology represents a significant leap in our understanding of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Circulation of the beams was a significant leap forward.

Independent

But they appear to be at least a year away from making a significant leap.

The New York Times

Scores are typically questioned only when there is a significant leap from one score to the next.

The New York Times - Sports

I have no doubt this partnership will see us take the technical steps necessary to make a significant leap forwards".

The Guardian - Sport

For a brand that still has not embraced e-commerce, this is a significant leap in the digital direction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The scope and quality of effects appeared to have made a significant leap from the 2012 original.

The Guardian - Film

Viewed in this larger context, the production of cloned embryos for any purpose is a significant leap in transforming procreation into a form of manufacture.

The New York Times

This season, it took a significant leap, in an episode in which the dumped-at-the-altar, suicidal Rebecca Bunch finally got the news: her problem isn't heartbreak but borderline-personality disorder.

The New Yorker

Last week, seven same-sex couples took a significant leap in the fight for equal protections by filing a lawsuit against the State of New Jersey after having been denied marriage licenses.

The New York Times

Andy Murray's chances of becoming the highest-ranked British player since ATP rankings began 36 years ago took a significant leap as he avenged himself upon Fernando Verdasco to reach the semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Guardian - Sport

For years, scientists have been able to "print" types of human tissue using a 3D printer, but in a significant leap forward by US and Australian researchers they can now make that tissue survive on its own.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant leap" to emphasize substantial progress or a considerable advancement beyond the current state. It effectively conveys the importance and impact of the improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant leap" for trivial or incremental improvements. Reserve this phrase for advancements that represent a real and substantial difference, or you risk diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant leap" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a substantial advancement or improvement in a specific area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant leap" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a considerable advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It serves to emphasize the magnitude of progress. To avoid overstatement, it should be reserved for advancements that represent a real and substantial difference. Alternatives like "a major breakthrough" or "a substantial advance" can provide similar meaning with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major breakthrough

Emphasizes a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

a substantial advance

Focuses on the degree of improvement or progression made.

a notable stride

Highlights a positive step forward in development or progress.

a considerable step forward

Indicates a marked progression toward a goal or objective.

a quantum jump

Suggests a sudden and drastic change or advancement.

a giant step

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the advancement.

a momentous advance

Highlights the importance and historical significance of the progress.

a marked improvement

Focuses on the visible or easily noticeable enhancement.

a dramatic transformation

Suggests a significant and impactful shift in form or nature.

a sea change

Indicates a fundamental and widespread shift in attitudes or conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant leap" to describe advancements in various contexts. For instance, "The new software represents a significant leap in data processing efficiency."

What's a good alternative to "a significant leap"?

Alternatives include "a major breakthrough", "a substantial advance", or "a notable stride", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a significant leap" is appropriate for formal writing. It is used in news articles, scientific papers, and business reports.

What distinguishes "a significant leap" from "a small step forward"?

"A significant leap" suggests a much larger and more impactful advancement than "a small step forward", which implies only incremental progress.