a significant thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important or noteworthy item, event, or concept in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The discovery of the new species was a significant thing for the scientific community, as it opened up new avenues for research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's a significant thing they've undertaken".

The New York Times

LEONARD: How could you forget such a significant thing?

The New York Times

That's always a significant thing in college basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

Driving the new Prius is a significant thing to do right now.

Independent

"You could go weeks without seeing one, and when you did see one, it was a significant thing," he says.

The Washington Post

So this became a significant thing in my life, but it might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A: The most significant thing that happened was on Tuesday, after the House of Bishops stopped the debate on same-sex blessings and decided to have a smaller group of bishops meet to discuss it further.

The New York Times

"Ovide has said publicly that he fully intends at the end of the process to endorse a candidate, and that will be a pretty significant thing to get".

The New York Times

"To spend money to make up for the inequities for our government and our governmental policies is a very significant thing," said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, a gay rights organization in New York.

The New York Times

And that's a pretty significant thing".

The New York Times

But it was a very significant thing for me.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant thing", ensure the context clearly establishes why the thing is significant. Provide specific details or explanations to underscore its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant thing" for minor or trivial matters. Reserve the phrase for situations or items that genuinely warrant attention due to their impact or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant thing" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as important or noteworthy. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression appears across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant thing" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote something of importance or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies its significance and avoid using it for trivial matters. Consider related alternatives like "an important matter" or "a crucial element" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important matter

Focuses more directly on the importance of the issue.

a noteworthy event

Emphasizes the event aspect, highlighting its noteworthiness.

a considerable factor

Highlights the magnitude or impact of the factor.

a crucial element

Stresses the essential nature of the element.

a key aspect

Highlights its role as a fundamental component.

a remarkable occurrence

Focuses on the unusual or exceptional nature of the occurrence.

a meaningful development

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the development.

a substantial issue

Highlights the scale or importance of the issue.

a momentous occasion

Stresses the historical or special importance of the occasion.

a critical point

Underlines the decisive or essential nature of the point.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant thing" to refer to something important, noteworthy, or impactful. For example, "The new policy change is "a significant thing" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "a significant thing"?

Alternatives include "an important matter", "a noteworthy event", or "a crucial element" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a very significant thing" or just "a significant thing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "A very significant thing" emphasizes the importance more strongly, but "a significant thing" is often sufficient and more concise.

When should I avoid using "a significant thing"?

Avoid using "a significant thing" when referring to trivial matters or when the significance is already obvious from the context. In such cases, a more specific or descriptive phrase may be more appropriate.