a substantial breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial breakthrough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant advancement or discovery in a particular field or context. Example: "The researchers announced a substantial breakthrough in cancer treatment that could change the lives of millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

What happens if a child is on the precipice of a substantial breakthrough?

The Guardian

And now, at 47, after an "an 11-year-crawl," she finally seems poised for a substantial breakthrough.

The New York Times

If the rat research ends up replicated, it'll constitute a substantial breakthrough, and a challenge to the agricultural biotechnology industry.

The New York Times

These subjects where the notion of p-adic variation is involved are advancing very quickly and a substantial breakthrough is expected in the near future.

Columbia University

Recently, the group also demonstrated an aluminum ion battery with graphite cathodes and ionic liquid electrolytes, a substantial breakthrough in battery science.

Stanford University

Expectations for a substantial breakthrough are low, although a round of negotiations in Washington based on Mr. Clinton's peace plan is possible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, there was still no cure for spinal cord injury, and many of the project's supporters were becoming anxious for a substantial clinical breakthrough.

Harvard Business Review

Therefore, consolidation of academic and industrial research towards economic synthesis of biobutanol illustrates the possibility of substantial breakthrough in future.

Applied Energy

This is a significant breakthrough in the fight against childhood killer diseases and a substantial boost to the reduction of infant mortality in Sierra Leone.

Unicef

It was a significant breakthrough.

The Economist

"It's a real breakthrough.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or technological progress, use "a substantial breakthrough" to convey a significant positive development that greatly impacts the field.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial breakthrough" to describe minor improvements or incremental changes. Reserve this phrase for developments that represent a genuine turning point or a major advancement.

Linguistic Context

A substantial breakthrough functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to denote a significant advancement or discovery in a particular field. It emphasizes the importance and impact of the breakthrough.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial breakthrough" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a significant advancement or discovery, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts but leans towards neutrality. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, scientific, and academic sources, emphasizing its importance in reporting and discussing major developments. When using this phrase, ensure the described event is indeed a significant advancement and not a minor improvement. Alternatives such as ""a significant advancement"" or ""a major leap forward"" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Replaces "breakthrough" with "advancement" and "substantial" with "significant", maintaining a similar level of impact.

a major leap forward

Uses a more metaphorical expression, emphasizing the progress made.

a considerable achievement

Highlights the accomplishment aspect of the breakthrough.

a noteworthy discovery

Shifts the focus to the element of finding something new.

a ground-breaking development

Emphasizes the innovative and pioneering nature of the breakthrough.

a remarkable innovation

Highlights the novelty and ingenuity of the breakthrough.

a game-changing innovation

Highlights the disruptive aspect of the innovation.

a pivotal advancement

Highlights the critical importance of the advancement.

a fundamental shift

Emphasizes the change or transformation that results from the breakthrough.

an important milestone

Presents the breakthrough as a significant step in a larger process.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial breakthrough" to describe significant advancements in various fields. For example, "The new drug represents "a substantial breakthrough" in cancer treatment."

What can I say instead of "a substantial breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "a significant advancement", "a major leap forward", or "a groundbreaking development", depending on the specific context.

What makes something qualify as "a substantial breakthrough"?

A "substantial breakthrough" implies a significant and impactful advancement, exceeding incremental progress and potentially revolutionizing the field. It's more than just an improvement; it's a major turning point.

Is it appropriate to use "a substantial breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "a substantial breakthrough" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, or business contexts where significant advancements are being discussed.