groundbreaking event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundbreaking event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is innovative, pioneering, or significantly impactful in a particular field or context. Example: "The launch of the new technology was a groundbreaking event that changed the industry forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

He started writing poetry soon after that groundbreaking event.

The New York Times

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S speech to the Islamic world was a groundbreaking event.

The New York Times

Later, he speaks at the LaGuardia groundbreaking event and a DSCC fundraiser.

The Washington Post

The championship was hyped as a potential groundbreaking event, pitting the top two teams in the country.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was La Coupole, a groundbreaking event for a year and something, and then it went bust".

The New York Times

At the groundbreaking event, the provincial governor and the mayor of Kwangju, the region's main city — both members of the Democratic Party — praised the project.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In keeping with these groundbreaking events, 2013 will be critical in defining how genomics will affect the future.

The Economist

The images and texts in Buffalo Heads bear witness to the groundbreaking events at the Buffalo Center for Media Study.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ms. Sandell has already dined with many of her future neighbors, having met them at groundbreaking events.

The New York Times

What gave black art of the 70s its special nature was mostly about the visual impact of groundbreaking events.

The Guardian - Arts

OPERA METROPOLITAN OPERA The first two opening nights of Peter Gelb's tenure at the Met were groundbreaking events that featured daring new productions; this year, he returns to the Joseph Volpe formula in shaping an evening around a single star — in this case, Rénee Fleming.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a "groundbreaking event", be specific about the area or field it has influenced. Instead of saying 'It was a groundbreaking event', specify 'It was a groundbreaking event in the field of medicine'.

Common error

Avoid using "groundbreaking event" for minor occurrences. Reserve it for events with demonstrable, significant, and lasting impact. Otherwise, your writing may seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundbreaking event" functions as a noun phrase, where 'groundbreaking' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'event'. It describes a specific type of event characterized by its innovative or pioneering nature. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "groundbreaking event" effectively describes a significantly innovative or impactful occurrence. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig confirms that the term is often employed to highlight the potential for change and innovation associated with the event. While generally neutral to formal, it is important to avoid overstating an event's impact and to reserve this term for truly significant developments. Alternative phrases, like "revolutionary occurrence" or "pioneering development", can provide subtle differences in emphasis, allowing for more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolutionary occurrence

Emphasizes the transformative and radical nature of the event.

pioneering development

Highlights the innovative and trail-blazing aspect of the event.

landmark achievement

Focuses on the event's importance as a significant accomplishment.

watershed moment

Suggests a turning point or a critical juncture.

transformative episode

Indicates an event that causes significant change.

innovative milestone

Highlights the event as a significant and novel achievement.

game-changing incident

Implies the event drastically alters the existing dynamics.

seminal occasion

Emphasizes the event's influence and foundational importance.

precedent-setting activity

Highlights the event as establishing a new standard or norm.

trailblazing affair

Focuses on the innovative and pioneering character of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "groundbreaking event" in a sentence?

You can use "groundbreaking event" to describe a significantly innovative or impactful occurrence. For example, "The conference was hailed as a "groundbreaking event" for its novel approach to climate change."

What's a less formal alternative to "groundbreaking event"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a game changer" or "a big deal" as less formal alternatives to "groundbreaking event".

Is "ground breaking event" correct, or should it be "groundbreaking event"?

"Groundbreaking event" is the correct spelling and usage. "Ground breaking event" with a space implies a literal event involving breaking ground, like a construction ceremony.

What makes an event truly "groundbreaking"?

A truly "groundbreaking event" is one that introduces new ideas, methods, or technologies that significantly alter the course of developments in a particular field. It often sets a new precedent or standard.