breathtaking change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breathtaking change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impressive transformation in a situation, environment, or concept. Example: "The breathtaking change in the landscape after the renovation left everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If he has lost a yard of acceleration, and maybe his breathtaking change of pace with the ball in his stride, he has gained craftiness.

The New York Times - Sports

FOR anyone who has traveled across Europe, the arrival of euro notes and coins on Tuesday will be a breathtaking change.

The New York Times - Travel

Her adhesive control, breathtaking change of pace and vision enabled Lady Andrade to bewitch fans and bewilder opponents in equal measure as her side progressed from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Mrs. Barstow undergoes a breathtaking change from chatty, New Age artiste to commander in chief of a musical army as she strides into the practice room and up to the podium.

The New York Times

But in between these two peaks is a story of stunning ups and downs, of both national arrogance and humility, of subjugation of others and at the hands of the United States, and as a result of a breathtaking change of course.

The New York Times - Books

Stepping back a little from the frenzy of the daily headlines and looking back over 10 years of breathtaking change in the world's social, economic and political landscape since the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, it seems to me that we really are living through revolutionary times.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He doesn't have Johnson's breathtaking change-of-direction, quickness or breakaway speed, but he can accelerate by his third or fourth step and run with fairly compact power.

The New York Times

Honey Badger, the funny moniker that helped make Mathieu a YouTube sensation and led him to stardom, seemed to fit when Mathieu was the diminutive but electrifying returner and cornerback with the breathtaking change-of-direction ability.

The New York Times - Sports

I return time after time to Kabul, because like the breathtaking changes I see in nature in Southern California, so too do I see amazing changes in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

With that announcement, Mr. Loeb proposed breathtaking changes at the company, including a spin-off of up to 20 percent of its studio and other entertainment holdings.

The New York Times

But Gorbachev's breathtaking changes let loose all kinds of centrifugal forces beyond his control, including a yearning for independence among some Soviet republics.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breathtaking change" to describe transformations that are not only significant but also inspiring or awe-inspiring. It's suitable when the change evokes a strong emotional response of wonder or amazement.

Common error

Avoid using "breathtaking change" for small or incremental adjustments. Reserve it for truly transformative events or shifts to maintain its impact and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breathtaking change" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "breathtaking" intensifies the noun "change", indicating a significant and impressive transformation, often evoking a sense of awe or wonder. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

10%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breathtaking change" is a grammatically sound and effective phrase used to describe significant and impressive transformations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in News & Media and related contexts. To maximize impact, use it to describe changes that are truly awe-inspiring, avoiding overuse for minor adjustments. Alternatives like ""sweeping transformation"" or ""radical shift"" can be considered for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sweeping transformation

Implies a wide-ranging and comprehensive change.

Radical shift

Suggests a fundamental and dramatic alteration.

Dramatic alteration

Emphasizes the intensity and suddenness of the change.

Remarkable evolution

Highlights a gradual but significant development.

Astonishing turnaround

Specifically implies a reversal of fortune or situation.

Profound metamorphosis

Suggests a deep and thorough transformation, often with a sense of mystery.

Seismic shift

Emphasizes the large scale and impact of the change.

Monumental transition

Highlights the importance and lasting effect of the change.

Stunning conversion

Suggests a complete and often unexpected change.

Incredible alteration

Focuses on the surprising and almost unbelievable nature of the change.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "breathtaking change" in a sentence?

Use "breathtaking change" to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a transformation. For instance, "The city experienced a "breathtaking change" after the new infrastructure was implemented." Ensure the context warrants the strong emotional connotation.

What are some alternatives to "breathtaking change"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sweeping transformation", "radical shift", or "dramatic alteration". Choose the alternative that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "breathtaking change" formal or informal?

"Breathtaking change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider your audience. In very formal or scientific writing, more neutral terms like "significant shift" might be preferred, but "breathtaking change" is acceptable in most situations.

Can "breathtaking change" be used in a negative context?

While typically used to describe positive or impressive transformations, "breathtaking change" can be used in a negative context if the scale of negative impact is considerable. For example, "The environmental damage caused a "breathtaking change" in the ecosystem."