groundbreaking idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundbreaking idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an innovative or revolutionary concept that significantly changes the way something is understood or done. Example: "The scientist presented a groundbreaking idea that could potentially revolutionize renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was a groundbreaking idea.

The Guardian - Tech

Me thought this pretty groundbreaking idea.

Harvard University

Since the nineteen-sixties, most generational analysis has revolved around the groundbreaking idea that young people are selfish.

The New Yorker

The history of science tells us that anyone who came along with a groundbreaking idea was met with opposition.

The Guardian

Each highly readable volume contains a groundbreaking idea that continues to shape best practices and inspire countless managers around the world.

Harvard Business Review

"The counterintuitive approach to achieving your true potential, heralded by the Harvard Business Review as a groundbreaking idea of the year -- Provided by publisher.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But these are hardly groundbreaking ideas.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately, like many groundbreaking ideas, emergy has encountered a lot of resistance and criticism, particularly from economists, physicists, and engineers.

Ecological Modelling

At TC, we apply our groundbreaking ideas to build a better world.

Columbia University

The creative freedom that PhD students enjoy means you could come up with groundbreaking ideas in your field.

The Guardian

Along the way, Gleick introduces the reader to the pioneers of information theory – Claude Shannon, Alan Turing, Ada Byron – and their groundbreaking ideas.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an idea as a "groundbreaking idea", provide specific details about why it's innovative or impactful. Support your assertion with evidence or examples.

Common error

Avoid using "groundbreaking idea" as a generic compliment. Ensure the idea genuinely represents a significant advancement or departure from existing norms. Provide specific details to justify its classification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundbreaking idea" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "groundbreaking" modifies the noun "idea". As supported by Ludwig, it describes an innovative concept that has the potential to revolutionize a field or area.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "groundbreaking idea" effectively communicates the novelty and potential impact of a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, academia, and science. While generally neutral, its use should be substantiated with specific details. Related phrases, such as "innovative concept" or "revolutionary concept", offer similar meanings with slight nuances. To retain its significance, avoid overuse and provide evidence supporting the claim that an idea is truly groundbreaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innovative concept

Focuses on the novelty and creativity of the idea.

revolutionary concept

Emphasizes the potential of the idea to cause significant change.

novel approach

Highlights the newness and originality of the method or perspective.

paradigm shift

Indicates a fundamental change in thinking or approach.

trailblazing concept

Suggests the idea is pioneering and sets a new direction.

pathbreaking concept

Similar to trailblazing but emphasizes breaking new ground.

pioneering thought

Emphasizes the forward-thinking nature of the idea.

transformative notion

Highlights the potential of the idea to bring about significant transformation.

radical innovation

Focuses on the significant departure from existing norms.

visionary concept

Highlights the far-sighted and imaginative quality of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "groundbreaking idea" to describe a novel concept that has the potential to significantly impact a field or industry. For example: "The scientist introduced a "groundbreaking idea" that could revolutionize medicine."

What are some alternatives to "groundbreaking idea"?

Alternatives to "groundbreaking idea" include "innovative concept", "revolutionary concept", or "novel approach". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the idea you want to emphasize.

What makes an idea truly "groundbreaking"?

A "groundbreaking idea" significantly alters the existing understanding or practice in a field. It often involves a new perspective, method, or technology that leads to substantial improvements or innovations. It's more than just a minor improvement; it's a game-changer.

Is "groundbreaking idea" overused?

While "groundbreaking idea" is a common phrase, its impact can be diminished if used indiscriminately. To ensure it retains its meaning, use it only when the idea truly represents a significant departure from the status quo and provide specific evidence to support your claim.