break new ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"break new ground" is an idiom that is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
Example sentence: The executive team was eager to break new ground in the field of renewable energy.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But she does break new ground.

The New York Times - Books

It need not always break new ground.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The opera doesn't break new ground.

The New York Times - Arts

"Charlie Lawrence" does not break new ground.

The New York Times - Arts

Since then, Frank's work has continued to break new ground.

Harvard University

"Many sculptors try to break new ground," he said.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Keep spinning in circles till you break new ground".

The New York Times - Arts

Show ideas, voices, worldviews, audio formats break new ground.

Forbes

The recommendations would break new ground if enacted as rules.

The New York Times

Justice Dooley said yesterday's decision did not break new ground.

The New York Times

It's the oddest records that break new ground.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break new ground" to describe significant advancements or pioneering efforts, especially when highlighting the novelty or originality of an endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "break new ground" for minor improvements or changes. This idiom implies a significant departure from existing norms or a substantial innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break new ground" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the act of initiating something entirely new or pioneering a novel approach. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common usage in describing innovations and significant advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "break new ground" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies initiating something novel or pioneering a new approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from academic and scientific writing to news reports and general discourse. Its purpose is to emphasize innovation and novelty, highlighting significant advancements or departures from established norms. While suitable for formal settings, it's essential to reserve its use for substantial innovations rather than minor improvements. Numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Forbes, support its widespread usage and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pioneer

Focuses on being the first to do something.

innovate

Emphasizes introducing new methods or ideas.

initiate

Highlights the act of beginning or setting something in motion.

launch

Suggests starting a new venture or project.

spearhead

Implies leading a new movement or initiative.

forge ahead

Conveys a sense of determined progress in a new direction.

push the envelope

Highlights exceeding current limits or norms.

blaze a trail

Emphasizes creating a new path or approach.

set a precedent

Focuses on establishing a new standard or example.

break with convention

Highlights departing from established norms or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "break new ground" in a sentence?

You can use "break new ground" to describe innovative actions. For example: "The company's new technology will "break new ground" in the field of medicine".

What does "break new ground" mean?

It means to do something that has never been done before; to pioneer or innovate. It suggests the beginning of something new and significant.

What are some synonyms for "break new ground"?

Alternatives include "pioneer", "innovate", or "initiate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "break new ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "break new ground" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant advancements or innovations. Its usage is widespread across academic, business, and news contexts.