a stunning development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stunning development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or impressive change or event, often in news or reports. Example: "The announcement of the new policy was a stunning development that took everyone by surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a stunning development.

The Washington Post

Finding the Knicks among the league leaders is, however, a stunning development.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a stunning development, a unique achievement in 30 years of baseball labor negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

One foreign election expert described the decree as a "stunning" development.

The Guardian

This was a stunning development for the bankers and the politicians.

The Guardian

Then, a few minutes before 4 p.m., came a stunning development.

The New York Times

It's a stunning development in an election that could be described as an epic cliffhanger.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a stunning development on a continent where not long ago such a bold measure would have been unthinkable.

The New York Times

He was the head coach for a day after Parcells quit, but then Belichick resigned in a stunning development.

The New York Times - Sports

The decision is a stunning development that is likely to seriously damage the company's prospects through the next decades.

The New York Times - Health

The arrest marked a stunning development for a man who has been the architect of tabloid "kiss-and-tells" involving major public figures for decades.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stunning development" to introduce an unexpected or impactful event, particularly in news or analytical contexts. It is effective for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the stage for further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "a stunning development" in everyday conversations or informal writing, as its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's surprising" or "I didn't expect that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stunning development" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. It introduces a significant and unexpected event or change. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sports

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stunning development" is a phrase used to introduce a significant and unexpected event. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use across various reliable sources, particularly in news and media. Its formal tone makes it suitable for analytical and professional contexts, but less appropriate for casual conversation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation and consider alternatives like "an astonishing turn of events" for similar effect. Remember to reserve it for events that truly warrant the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing turn of events

Replaces 'stunning development' with a phrase highlighting surprise and the sequence of events.

a remarkable turn of events

Substitutes "stunning" with "remarkable", emphasizing impressiveness rather than surprise.

an unexpected breakthrough

Focuses on the positive outcome and its unforeseen nature.

a surprising revelation

Highlights the unveiling of something previously unknown or concealed.

a game-changing moment

Emphasizes the transformative impact and significance of the event.

an earth-shattering occurrence

Exaggerates the impact to convey a sense of monumental importance.

a seismic shift

Suggests a major and destabilizing change, similar to an earthquake.

an unforeseen consequence

Highlights the unanticipated nature of the outcome.

a bolt from the blue

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey suddenness and unexpectedness.

a watershed moment

Implies a turning point with lasting effects.

FAQs

How can I use "a stunning development" in a sentence?

Use "a stunning development" to introduce something unexpected or impactful. For example, "The company's sudden announcement was "a stunning development", surprising investors and analysts alike".

What can I say instead of "a stunning development"?

You can use alternatives like "an astonishing turn of events", "a remarkable turn of events", or "a surprising revelation" depending on the context.

Is "a stunning development" formal or informal?

"A stunning development" leans towards a more formal tone, making it suitable for news reports, analytical articles, and professional communications. In casual settings, consider using less dramatic alternatives.

What makes "a stunning development" different from "a surprising change"?

"A stunning development" suggests a greater level of surprise and impact compared to "a surprising change". "Stunning" implies a more significant or unexpected shift, often with broad implications.