breaking new ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking new ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of doing something innovative or pioneering that has not been done before. Example: "The scientist's research is breaking new ground in the field of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're breaking new ground.

The New York Times - Arts

It was breaking new ground".

The New York Times - Sports

"This might be breaking new ground".

The New York Times

"This is breaking new ground.

The Guardian - Tech

We were breaking new ground".

The New York Times

None of that is breaking new ground.

The Guardian - Travel

Not that they are breaking new ground.

The New York Times

Unlike Mr. Terrail, she is not breaking new ground.

The New York Times - Food

The TED spread is also breaking new ground.

The Economist

"The Washington Huskies weren't breaking new ground here".

The New York Times - Books

But SME owners are breaking new ground in this field.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaking new ground" to emphasize that an action is innovative and has never been done before. This phrase is suitable for describing scientific discoveries, technological advancements, or unique artistic endeavors.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking new ground" to describe routine tasks or minor improvements. This phrase should be reserved for situations where genuine innovation or pioneering effort is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking new ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of innovating or pioneering something that has not been done before, as evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breaking new ground" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe innovative and pioneering actions. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where genuine novelty is involved. Alternatives such as "pioneering new frontiers" or "blazing a trail" can offer nuanced variations on this theme. With its strong presence in authoritative sources, "breaking new ground" remains a valuable phrase for describing progress that truly forges new paths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pioneering new frontiers

This alternative emphasizes exploration and discovery, suggesting a venture into the unknown.

blazing a trail

Implies creating a new path or approach that others can follow.

charting new paths

Similar to blazing a trail but focuses on planning and navigation in an unexplored area.

pushing the boundaries

Highlights the act of exceeding current limits or expectations.

forging new directions

Suggests creating or establishing new strategies or courses of action.

innovating

A more concise and direct term for introducing something new.

being at the forefront

Focuses on leading or being ahead in a particular field or endeavor.

spearheading advancements

Highlights leading significant improvements or progress.

setting precedents

Implies establishing a new standard or example for future actions.

opening doors

Highlights creating new opportunities or possibilities.

FAQs

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

Use "breaking new ground" to describe situations where something innovative or unprecedented is occurring. For example, "The company's new technology is "breaking new ground" in the field of renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "breaking new ground"?

Alternatives include "pioneering new frontiers", "blazing a trail", or "charting new paths", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "breaking new ground" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant advancements or innovative achievements. However, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's emphasis on novelty and pioneering effort.

What is the difference between "breaking new ground" and "making progress"?

"Breaking new ground" implies innovation and doing something unprecedented, while "making progress" simply means advancing towards a goal. Breaking new ground often leads to progress, but not all progress involves "breaking new ground".