an important breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important 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 an important breakthrough in cancer treatment that could save countless lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was an important breakthrough.

The New York Times

"This is an important breakthrough," he said.

Independent

Psychologically it's an important breakthrough.

The Guardian

These two results represent an important breakthrough".

The Guardian

For professionals working with street children, this is an important breakthrough.

The Guardian

In the course of their research, Lal and his colleagues made an important breakthrough.

Cornell University

Banbury called the new agreement "an important breakthrough" for North Korea's undernourished poor.

The Washington Post

If the detailed regime matches the promise, this will be an important breakthrough.

The Economist

Improving the resolution of MRIs without increasing RF field strengths is an important breakthrough.

MIT Technology Review

IBM researchers have made an important breakthrough: arranging nanotube transistors for complex circuits.

MIT Technology Review

The integration of film and VR is becoming an important breakthrough for traditional films.

Telematics and Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an important breakthrough" when you want to highlight a significant advancement or discovery that has the potential to make a real difference.

Common error

Avoid using "an important breakthrough" to describe minor improvements or developments that do not represent a substantial advancement in the field. Ensure the term aligns with the actual impact of the finding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important breakthrough" functions as a noun phrase, where "important" is an adjective modifying the noun "breakthrough". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is frequently employed to signify a substantial advancement or discovery. It is often used to highlight the significance of a new development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

42%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an important breakthrough" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a significant advancement or discovery. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is versatile enough for use in various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, overstating the significance of a development should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "a significant advance" or "a key development" to fine-tune your message. The phrase appears most frequently in news and science sources, underscoring its relevance in reporting and discussing noteworthy achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advance

Replaces "breakthrough" with "advance" emphasizing forward movement or progress.

a major step forward

Emphasizes the progress aspect of the breakthrough, framing it as a step in a positive direction.

a key development

Focuses on the aspect of something new and crucial emerging.

a crucial discovery

Highlights the finding or uncovering of something significant.

a game-changing innovation

Indicates that the breakthrough fundamentally alters the existing situation.

a pivotal moment

Frames the breakthrough as a turning point with lasting consequences.

a landmark achievement

Stresses the importance and historical significance of the accomplishment.

a revolutionary advancement

Highlights the transformative and radical nature of the progress.

a ground-breaking discovery

Indicates the innovative and precedent-setting nature of the finding.

a watershed event

Suggests a clear division between what came before and what will follow due to the breakthrough.

FAQs

How can I use "an important breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "an important breakthrough" to describe a significant advancement or discovery. For example, "The development of this vaccine is "an important breakthrough" in the fight against the disease".

What are some alternatives to saying "an important breakthrough"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advance", "a major step forward", or "a key development" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an important breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "an important breakthrough" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, or professional contexts where you need to highlight a notable advancement.

What makes a discovery qualify as "an important breakthrough"?

A discovery qualifies as "an important breakthrough" when it represents a significant advancement in a field, offering new solutions or understandings that were previously unavailable. It usually has a substantial impact and the potential for further development.