a startling discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unexpected or surprising finding in various contexts, such as scientific research, historical analysis, or personal experiences. Example: "The archaeologists made a startling discovery when they unearthed ancient artifacts that changed the understanding of the civilization's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Cece makes a startling discovery.

University of California, Berkeley

In 2007, they announced a startling discovery.

The New Yorker

That's when the doctor made a startling discovery.

The Washington Post

But one day he made a startling discovery.

The Guardian

When combing through 2,768 emails from 2012 14, Pan made a startling discovery.

Stanford University

KHARTOUM, Sudan — It was September 2008 and a band of Somali pirates made a startling discovery.

The New York Times

But in a startling discovery, scientists have realised that plants are part of the problem.

The Guardian

As Carmen Pack and her husband, Bob, mourned their children, they made a startling discovery.

The Guardian

Years later, he tracked some of the kids down, and made a startling discovery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The City Critic finds a startling discovery in New York City school lunches: real food.

The New York Times

Not quite a newcomer (she sang with Irish band Elephant), Ireton is nonetheless a startling discovery.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a startling discovery" to add impact to your writing when highlighting unexpected turning points or significant new findings.

Common error

Avoid using "startling discovery" when the finding is relatively minor or incremental. Reserve it for truly significant and unexpected revelations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling discovery" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement of a verb. It introduces a finding or realization that is unexpected and noteworthy. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a startling discovery" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that indicates an unexpected and noteworthy finding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While generally neutral, it can be particularly effective in highlighting significant revelations. Related phrases, such as "an astonishing finding" or "an unexpected revelation", provide alternative ways to express similar concepts. Use this phrase to emphasize the significance of unexpected new findings, avoiding its overuse for minor discoveries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing finding

Emphasizes the level of surprise and disbelief associated with the discovery.

an unexpected revelation

Focuses on the unveiling aspect of the discovery, presenting it as something previously hidden.

a surprising breakthrough

Highlights the element of progress and advancement that the discovery brings.

a remarkable finding

Stresses the exceptional and noteworthy character of the discovery.

an eye-opening revelation

Implies that the discovery significantly alters one's understanding or perspective.

a noteworthy discovery

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the discovery.

an unforeseen finding

Highlights the unexpectedness and lack of anticipation surrounding the discovery.

an amazing revelation

Stresses the wonderful and incredible nature of the discovery.

an incredible breakthrough

Highlights the unbelievable and momentous nature of the advancement or progress.

a game-changing discovery

Implies that the discovery has the power to revolutionize or drastically alter a situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a startling discovery"?

You can use alternatives like "an astonishing finding", "an unexpected revelation", or "a surprising breakthrough" depending on the context.

How to use "a startling discovery" in a sentence?

You can use "a startling discovery" when introducing an unexpected or surprising finding. For example: "The scientist made a startling discovery about the effects of the new drug".

What's the difference between "a startling discovery" and "a surprising discovery"?

"A startling discovery" implies a greater degree of unexpectedness or significance than "a surprising discovery". Startling suggests something more shocking or remarkable.

Is "a startling discovery" formal or informal?

"A startling discovery" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it might be more impactful in formal writing.