achieve a breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieve a breakthrough" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the successful accomplishment of an important or difficult task or objective. Example: After months of hard work, the scientists were finally able to achieve a breakthrough in their research.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Quotas can help us achieve a breakthrough.

The New York Times

He said that at Sochi, Medvedev tried to persuade Sargsian to achieve a breakthrough.

The Guardian

The prospects for the Obama administration to achieve a breakthrough in the Middle East anytime soon are remote, experts said.

The New York Times

I'm not sure how any intelligent person can achieve a breakthrough by being true to her past as a groupie.

The New Yorker

The chart success of this new hybrid, what some call "garage rap," has raised British hopes that homegrown rappers may finally achieve a breakthrough in America.

The New York Times - Arts

Yard officers spent years sifting 10,000 statements and resubmitting exhibits for forensic testing to achieve a breakthrough in the case.

The Guardian

Google's U-turn on its first major hardware venture has not dimmed its desire to achieve a breakthrough on other projects.

The Guardian - Tech

The meeting was conceived and executed not to achieve a breakthrough, but to restart an American-brokered process of communication and hard compromise.

The New York Times

But although he mixed it up with Mr. Kerry and drew sharper contrasts with him on issues like trade, Mr. Edwards did not achieve a breakthrough moment.

The New York Times

So while the United States and the British are prepared for a long campaign, they are striving to achieve a breakthrough in the next four weeks.

The New York Times

Cameron hoped to achieve a breakthrough in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan when he held a trilateral summit at Chequers in February involving Zardari and Karzai.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "achieve a breakthrough", clearly define the context or field in which the breakthrough occurs to provide clarity and impact for the reader. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the significance of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "achieve a breakthrough" for minor accomplishments. This phrase implies a significant advancement, so reserve it for situations where substantial progress or innovation has genuinely occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve a breakthrough" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It's used to express the successful attainment of a significant advancement or overcoming of an obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "achieve a breakthrough" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the successful attainment of a significant advancement or the overcoming of a notable obstacle. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for genuinely significant advancements rather than minor accomplishments. Related phrases such as "attain a major advancement" offer nuanced alternatives for conveying similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attain a major advancement

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of reaching a significant point of progress.

secure a significant success

This emphasizes the positive outcome and accomplishment aspect of the breakthrough.

make a notable stride

Focuses on the forward movement and progress achieved.

realize a key development

Highlights the realization and materialization of a crucial advancement.

engineer a turning point

Emphasizes the deliberate effort to create a moment of significant change.

spark a major innovation

This emphasizes the generation of something new and impactful.

pioneer a vital discovery

Highlights the act of being the first to find or develop something important.

catalyze a crucial shift

Focuses on the action of initiating a critical change or transition.

unlock a critical juncture

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles to reach an important stage.

forge a new path

Emphasizes creating an entirely new direction or approach.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "achieve a breakthrough" in a sentence?

To effectively use "achieve a breakthrough", ensure that the subject has overcome a significant obstacle or reached a new level of understanding or capability. Be specific about the area in which the breakthrough occurred to highlight its importance.

What are some alternatives to "achieve a breakthrough"?

You can use alternatives like "attain a major advancement", "secure a significant success", or "make a notable stride" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "reach a breakthrough" or "achieve a breakthrough"?

Both "reach a breakthrough" and "achieve a breakthrough" are grammatically correct, but "achieve a breakthrough" implies more effort and accomplishment than "reach a breakthrough".

What is implied when someone is said to "achieve a breakthrough"?

When someone is said to "achieve a breakthrough", it suggests they have overcome significant obstacles and made substantial progress in a particular area, leading to a new level of understanding or capability.