great leap forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great leap forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant advancement or progress in a particular area, often implying a dramatic change. Example: "The company's new technology represents a great leap forward in renewable energy solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gee, great leap forward there.

The New York Times

But the great leap forward has stalled.

The New Yorker

Lite beer is not the great leap forward.

The New York Times

COULD it be Turkish democracy's great leap forward?

The Economist

The Great Leap Forward involved an enormous amount of experimentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

* Chinese leader Mao Zedong launches the Great Leap Forward.

Independent

And Great Leap Forward, he didn't stop it.

The New York Times

Africa's great leap forward sprang from prosaic beginnings.

The Guardian

He called the campaign the Great Leap Forward.

The New York Times

Under Jürgen Klinsmann we have made a great leap forward".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was such a great leap forward," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great leap forward" to describe significant advancements or progress, especially when emphasizing a dramatic or ambitious change. Consider the historical context of the phrase, particularly its association with Mao Zedong's economic plan, and ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "great leap forward" for minor improvements or incremental changes. Reserve it for instances where the advancement is truly substantial and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great leap forward" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, emphasizing its versatility as a descriptor of significant progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great leap forward" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a significant advancement or progress. Originating from a specific historical context, as Ludwig AI noted, it is now used more generally to denote substantial improvements. While grammatically correct and versatile, writers should be aware of its historical connotations and ensure its use aligns with the intended message. Ludwig examples illustrate its prevalence in news media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, solidifying its status as a widely recognized expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancement

Emphasizes the importance of the progress made, rather than the speed or magnitude.

major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

quantum leap

Highlights a dramatic and fundamental change or advancement.

substantial progress

Focuses on the positive development achieved, without necessarily implying a rapid pace.

notable improvement

Indicates a clear and visible enhancement in quality or performance.

marked advancement

Emphasizes the noticeable and distinct nature of the progress.

radical transformation

Suggests a fundamental and comprehensive change in the subject.

game changer

Implies that the advancement significantly alters the existing situation or market.

sea change

Indicates a profound and widespread shift in attitudes, opinions, or conditions.

step change

Highlights a significant and measurable improvement or advancement.

FAQs

How can "great leap forward" be used in a sentence?

You can use "great leap forward" to describe a significant advancement. For example, "The new technology represents a "great leap forward" in renewable energy." It can also refer to a historical event, such as "The "Great Leap Forward" was an economic plan in China."

What are some alternatives to "great leap forward"?

Alternatives include "significant advancement", "major breakthrough", or "quantum leap". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "great leap forward" in a business context?

Yes, "great leap forward" can be used in a business context to describe a significant improvement or innovation. However, be mindful of the phrase's historical connotations and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Using "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" could be more appropriate.

What is the origin of the phrase "great leap forward"?

The phrase "great leap forward" is often associated with the "Great Leap Forward", an economic and social campaign by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962. Understanding this historical context is important when using the phrase.