a substantial leap

USAGE SUMMARY

"a substantial leap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're making a comparison to indicate a large difference or advancement, or to mean a big jump or increase. For example: During his term in office, the mayor made a substantial leap in implementing better housing policies for the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The researchers told the kids' teachers that the test could identify "late bloomers" – children who were about to show a substantial leap forward in intellectual development.

Harvard University

Assuming that Iranian progressives and others would be motivated by a democratic Iraq to take the steps necessary to change their country seems a substantial leap of faith.

The New York Times

It's a substantial leap from there to concluding that GPs can talk freely to their patients about their weight without fear of causing offense.

The Guardian

This information represents a substantial leap in current knowledge of adult DA neurogenesis, will enable improved in vitro and in vivo modeling, as well as facilitate the harnessing of this process for therapeutic intervention for PD.

Neuroscience Letters

Since the first printing of biologics with cytoscribing as demonstrated by Klebe in 1986, three dimensional (3D) bioprinting has made a substantial leap forward, particularly in the last decade.

Additive Manufacturing

Since the first time of cytoscribing cells demonstrated by Klebe in 1986, bioprinting has made a substantial leap forward, particularly in the last 10 years, and been widely used in fabrication of living tissues for various application areas.

3D Bioprinting Fundamentals, Principles and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is a rather substantial leap of faith to trust that businesses that have filed incorrect tax returns would readily confess this while chasing lucrative contracts, especially when a veil of secrecy still surrounds instances when HMRC has found cases of corporate tax avoidance.

The Guardian

Despite only logging three minutes per game in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Detroit's centerpiece appeared destined to make another substantial leap as a player, and in doing so, assist the Pistons toward the fringe of playoff discussion.

The Washington Post

It was during this term that Mr Sharon took the substantial leap of moving to a strategy of "disengagement", unilaterally withdrawing troops from the Gaza strip and bulldozing Israeli settlements there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The works make it clear that the Talladega commission spurred a substantial artistic leap in Woodruff's career.

The New York Times - Arts

For Glazer had been proved correct in his assessment of United as a cash cow, capable of generating vast sums in commercial income, which rose to a staggering £152.5m last year and will take another substantial leap forwards when the club's annual results are released in September.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial leap" to describe significant progress, advancements, or increases. It's suitable when emphasizing a notable change or improvement, implying it goes beyond gradual or incremental steps. For example, "The new technology represents "a substantial leap" in efficiency".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial leap" to describe small or insignificant changes. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the progress or increase is truly significant and noteworthy. Using it for minor changes weakens its impact and may mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial leap" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial leap" is a phrase used to denote a significant advancement or increase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is best used to emphasize notable changes or improvements and should be avoided when describing minor adjustments. Alternatives like "a sizable leap" or "a significant jump" can be used depending on the context. This phrase presents a neutral to formal register and should be adjusted for your writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizable leap

Replaces "substantial" with "sizable", implying a notable but potentially less significant change.

a significant jump

Uses "jump" instead of "leap", suggesting a sudden and noticeable increase.

a considerable advance

Shifts focus to the 'advance' aspect, emphasizing progress made.

a marked improvement

Highlights the positive change achieved, focusing on enhancement.

a major breakthrough

Emphasizes a significant discovery or achievement that removes a barrier.

a quantum leap

Implies a fundamental and transformative change, suggesting a drastic advancement.

a dramatic increase

Focuses on the measurable aspect of the change, highlighting a large rise in quantity or degree.

a notable progression

Emphasizes a step-by-step advancement, highlighting the process of moving forward.

a fundamental shift

Highlights a significant change in the underlying basis or structure.

a transformative change

Focuses on the ability to cause a major change in someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial leap" to describe significant progress or advancement. For example, "The company's profits saw "a substantial leap" after the new marketing campaign".

What phrases are similar to "a substantial leap"?

Similar phrases include "a sizable leap", "a significant jump", or "a considerable advance". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

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

Yes, "a substantial leap" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing progress or advancements in business, science, or technology. It conveys a sense of significance and impact.

How does "a substantial leap" differ from "a small step"?

"A substantial leap" implies a large and significant change, while "a small step" indicates a minor or incremental adjustment. If something represents a dramatic advancement, "a substantial leap" is more accurate. Otherwise, consider something like "a small step".