find a breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

"find a breakthrough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of attempting to accomplish something difficult. For example: "The scientists have been working hard to find a breakthrough in the field of cancer research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Energetic Derby striker Jamie Ward did his best to find a breakthrough, finding Forsyth with a clever near-post header, but he was let down by the Scot's finishing.

BBC

Brighton came close to finding a consolation when Hemed hit the post from close range, but they could not find a breakthrough.

BBC

Could we find a breakthrough that would cut 90% of the electricity required for space cooling?

The Guardian

Ongoing material research has yet to find a breakthrough in significantly raising the conversion efficiency of commercial PV modules.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The goal is clearly to find a breakthrough hit that can do what "Survivor" did for CBS.

The New York Times

In the last game, Mr. Gelfand gained a small edge in the opening, but he was unable to find a breakthrough.

The New York Times

Those others things, in the simplest terms, are policies intended to help find a breakthrough technology that can power the economy without heating the planet.

The New York Times

Damien Duff hit the crossbar after five minutes and then sliced a shot over from six yards out but Fulham could not find a breakthrough.

Independent

Neither side could find a breakthrough in normal time and, when Dieumerci Mbokani was sent off in the 89th minute, Hull looked down and out.

The Guardian - Sport

And now it's our time to ask: What if? What if we find a breakthrough to Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's and AIDS?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Friends," he said, "I found a breakthrough.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find a breakthrough", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or field in which the breakthrough is being sought. For example, "find a breakthrough in cancer treatment" is more specific than simply "find a breakthrough".

Common error

Avoid using "find a breakthrough" to describe incremental improvements. This phrase should be reserved for truly significant advancements that represent a substantial departure from the status quo.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a breakthrough" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "find" is the main verb and "a breakthrough" is the direct object. It describes the action of discovering or achieving a significant advancement. According to Ludwig AI, this is a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find a breakthrough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the endeavor to achieve a significant advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the area of pursuit and avoid exaggerating minor improvements. Alternative phrases such as "achieve a breakthrough" or "make a significant discovery" can provide nuanced variations. The consistent usage and widespread presence of this phrase in reputable sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve a breakthrough

Replaces "find" with "achieve", focusing on the accomplishment rather than the search.

make a significant discovery

Substitutes "breakthrough" with "significant discovery", highlighting the element of discovery.

attain a major advancement

Replaces "find" with "attain" and "breakthrough" with "major advancement", emphasizing progress.

pioneer an innovation

Shifts focus to pioneering, suggesting initiating a novel development.

secure a revolutionary development

Uses "secure" instead of "find" and emphasizes the revolutionary nature of the development.

realize a game-changing result

Highlights the transformative impact of the result.

uncover a key solution

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of the breakthrough.

discover a pivotal moment

Focuses on a turning point or critical juncture.

gain a decisive advantage

Shifts the focus to obtaining a competitive edge.

establish a new paradigm

Highlights the creation of a new model or framework.

FAQs

How can I use "find a breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "find a breakthrough" to describe the process of discovering or achieving a significant advancement. For example, "Researchers are working tirelessly to find a breakthrough in renewable energy technologies".

What are some alternatives to using "find a breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "achieve a breakthrough", "make a significant discovery", or "attain a major advancement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "find a breakthrough" or "discover a breakthrough"?

Both "find a breakthrough" and "discover a breakthrough" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Find" implies a deliberate search, while "discover" suggests a more serendipitous finding. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to "search for a breakthrough"?

"Search for a breakthrough" is similar to "find a breakthrough", but it emphasizes the active and intentional pursuit of a significant advancement. The phrase indicates an ongoing effort to "find a breakthrough".