a significant refinement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant refinement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing improvements or enhancements that are meaningful or impactful in a particular context. Example: "The latest version of the software includes a significant refinement in its user interface, making it more intuitive for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A significant refinement of the javelin was the Roman pilum.

Britannica

The addition of Zr to the Mg 2.4Zn 0.1Ag 0.1Ca alloy resulted in a significant refinement of the grain size.

Acta Materialia

Our results suggest a significant refinement to the model by which DHA regulates the architecture of ordered, sphingolipid-chol-enriched domains (rafts) in membranes.

Biophysical Journal

In a significant refinement of methods, we focus on providing public input to institutional practice and governance of biobanks using a tailored workbook structure to guide participants' discussion.

Social Science & Medicine

While Labor's Mark Dreyfus described it as a "significant refinement and a narrowing" of the proposed bill and spoke in support of the "unanimous" report, the text made it clear some committee members still felt the bill had significant legal problems.

The Guardian

An increase of the atomic fraction of Cr induces a significant refinement of grain sizes, from ∼100 nm for a Cu96Cr4 alloy to ∼30 nm in the case of a Cu20Cr80 alloy.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The main purpose of lazy refinement was to simply avoid the significant refinement cost for a primitive that would never intersect a ray.

Stanford University

A significant grain refinement was observed by TEM investigation of the highly strained composite.

Materials & Design

Microstructural investigations showed a significant grain refinement owing to dynamic recrystallization.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

Overall, inclusion of other disturbances in the modeling framework resulted in a significant spatial refinement when predicting landslide susceptibility.

Geomorphology

Microstructural observations revealed a significant grain refinement through ECAP processing, leading to an equiaxed ultrafine grain (UFG) structure with an average size of 500 nm.

Materials Characterization

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant refinement", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the specific aspect that has been improved or enhanced. For example, "The new algorithm represents a significant refinement in data processing speed."

Common error

Avoid using "a significant refinement" without specifying what exactly has been refined. For instance, instead of saying "The project underwent a significant refinement", clarify with "The project underwent a significant refinement in its scope and objectives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant refinement" functions as a noun phrase, where 'significant' modifies 'refinement', indicating that the refinement is of considerable importance or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe improvements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant refinement" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase used to denote a notable improvement or enhancement. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, it carries a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI analysis highlights that while the phrase is straightforward, it's essential to provide clear context regarding what exactly has been refined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a considerable improvement" or "a notable enhancement", providing similar connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable improvement

Replaces "significant" with "considerable", emphasizing the substantial nature of the improvement.

a notable enhancement

Substitutes "refinement" with "enhancement", focusing on the augmentation aspect.

a substantial upgrade

Uses "upgrade" instead of "refinement", highlighting the modernized or improved version.

a marked advancement

Replaces "refinement" with "advancement", stressing the progress made.

a major modification

Employs "modification" to suggest a change or alteration of importance.

a pronounced development

Uses "development" to indicate a stage of growth or advancement that is clearly noticeable.

a key adjustment

Substitutes "refinement" with "adjustment", focusing on the act of making something better.

a critical improvement

Replaces "significant" with "critical", emphasizing the crucial nature of the improvement.

a valuable addition

Employs "addition" to suggest the introduction of something beneficial or improving.

a positive revision

Uses "revision" instead of "refinement", stressing the improved or corrected version.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant refinement" to describe a notable improvement or enhancement in a process, method, or product. For example, "The new software update represents "a significant refinement" in data analysis capabilities."

What are some alternatives to saying "a significant refinement"?

Alternatives include "a considerable improvement", "a notable enhancement", or "a substantial upgrade", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a significant refinement" or "significant refinements"?

The choice depends on whether you're referring to a single, major improvement (use "a significant refinement") or multiple, distinct improvements (use "significant refinements").

What's the difference between "a significant refinement" and "a minor adjustment"?

"A significant refinement" indicates a substantial improvement or enhancement, while "a minor adjustment" refers to a small, less impactful change.