be a leap forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a leap forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant advancement or improvement in a particular area or field. Example: "The new technology is expected to be a leap forward in renewable energy solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

If we take into account that in the 1980s there were no top-level female executives in the Fortune 100 companies, that appears to be a leap forward.

The Economist

Dr. Steven Udvarhelyi, executive vice president of Independence Blue Cross, said that adding the Lumeris technology would be a "leap forward in giving physicians clinically actionable information so they can better manage patients' care".

The New York Times

PAGE A11 COMPUTER VS. 'JEOPARDY!' In what would be a leap forward for the field of artificial intelligence, I.B.M. plans to announce that it is in the final stages of completing a computer program to compete against human "Jeopardy!" contestants.

The New York Times

If local officials and politicians could be persuaded of the benefits of doing things simply and well, that the exercise of a little intelligence early in the planning of a place can save expensive stupidity later on and that basic dignity should be the minimum for shared spaces, it would be a leap forward.

The Guardian

The ability to determine the volume of loss experienced by specific bearing surfaces would be a leap forward in assessing and evaluating prosthesis designs and aid in the development of wear prevention.

Wear

"When we met the team at Ubiquity6, it became apparent that joining the team there would be a leap forward towards our shared mission of enabling creators to edit reality," the post reads.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The scale is a leap forward.

The New York Times

It was a leap forward, beyond electricity and into electronics.

The New Yorker

"This is a leap forward in terms of transparency.

The Guardian

"Our work with the Weizmann team has been a leap forward," Dr. Master said.

The New York Times - Science

This truly inspired idea is a leap forward in both safety and convenience.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be a leap forward" to emphasize a substantial and positive change or advancement, especially when comparing current progress to a previous state.

Common error

Avoid using "be a leap forward" when the advancement is only incremental. Reserve it for truly significant changes to avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a leap forward" functions as a predicative expression, often following a subject and linking verb ("is", "was", "will be"). It signifies a significant positive development or advancement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a leap forward" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant advancement or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, avoid overusing it for minor improvements and consider more formal alternatives like "represent a major advancement" in certain settings. Remember, "be a leap forward" emphasizes substantial progress compared to smaller steps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a major advancement

Changes the idiom to a more formal tone and uses 'advancement' instead of 'leap forward'.

constitute a significant breakthrough

Replaces 'leap forward' with 'breakthrough', emphasizing the sudden and impactful nature of the progress.

mark a considerable improvement

Focuses on the improved state resulting from the progress, rather than the act of leaping.

signal a notable step forward

Uses 'step forward' to convey progress, but emphasizes the signaling aspect of the advancement.

herald a new era

Suggests that the advancement is so significant it's beginning a whole new period or phase.

pave the way for progress

Shifts the focus to the preparatory aspect, suggesting the advancement enables further progress.

drive innovation

Highlights the role of the advancement in fostering innovation.

accelerate development

Emphasizes the speed and intensification of development as a result of the advancement.

revolutionize the field

Uses a stronger term, 'revolutionize', to indicate a complete and dramatic change.

transform the landscape

Uses a metaphor to indicate a broad and fundamental change in the area.

FAQs

How can I use "be a leap forward" in a sentence?

You can use "be a leap forward" to describe something that represents a significant improvement or advancement. For example, "This new technology will "be a leap forward" in medical treatment".

What can I say instead of "be a leap forward"?

You can use alternatives like "represent a major advancement", "constitute a significant breakthrough", or "mark a considerable improvement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a leap forward" or "a step forward"?

"A leap forward" implies a more substantial and rapid advancement compared to "a step forward", which suggests a smaller, more gradual change. The best choice depends on the magnitude of the progress you're describing.

Can "be a leap forward" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be a leap forward" can be used in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the importance of a specific development. However, in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "represent a major advancement" may be preferred.