groundbreaking step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundbreaking step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or innovative action that leads to new developments or changes in a particular field or context. Example: "The introduction of renewable energy sources was a groundbreaking step towards achieving sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Terry Goddard, the Arizona attorney general, hailed the agreement as a "groundbreaking" step toward cracking down on smugglers and the money that keeps them in business.

The New York Times

It is a groundbreaking step for Hollywood.

The Guardian

This would be a groundbreaking step against Capitol Hill misbehavior.

The New York Times

It felt so much bigger than just being a cool part; this was a groundbreaking step".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"This is a groundbreaking step toward rapidly commercializing autonomous vehicle technology," said Mr. Vogt.

The New York Times

The iPhone was a groundbreaking step in fuelling mobile internet growth because its handset was so user-friendly, he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In 2001, Greensboro took its first groundbreaking steps toward confronting the past through an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

University of Pennsylvania

Since I visited Spokane, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Obama administration have taken -- and continue to take -- groundbreaking steps to protect LGBT families and individuals from housing discrimination.

Huffington Post

Recently, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sylvia M. Burwell announced significant cost-savings from the National Diabetes Prevention Program National DPPP), and groundbreaking steps HHS will likely soon take to extend the program to Medicare beneficiaries at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Huffington Post

"This is a groundbreaking first step towards justice," said Beatrice Lindstrom of the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH), which is pursuing a class-action lawsuit against the UN to try to force it to accept responsibility for the disaster and to pay compensation.

The Guardian

"This is a groundbreaking first step towards justice," said Beatrice Lindstrom, a staff attorney at the Boston-based Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "groundbreaking step", ensure the context clearly establishes the novelty and significance of the action being described. Provide specific details that illustrate its impact and why it is considered innovative.

Common error

Avoid using "groundbreaking step" to describe minor improvements or changes. Reserve it for actions that genuinely introduce significant advancements or paradigm shifts in a field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundbreaking step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or direct object. It characterizes a specific action or event as highly innovative and significant, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "groundbreaking step" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an innovative and significant action, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize the importance and potential impact of a particular action. While versatile, it's most effective when used to highlight genuinely novel and transformative changes, according to Ludwig AI. Related alternatives include "revolutionary advance" and "pioneering development".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolutionary advance

This phrase highlights the radical and transformative nature of the advancement.

pioneering development

Emphasizes the innovative and exploratory aspect of the development.

innovative measure

Focuses on the novelty and creativity of the action taken.

transformative initiative

Highlights the potential of the initiative to cause significant change.

watershed moment

Signifies a turning point or a significant event marking a new direction.

paradigm shift

Indicates a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

game-changing innovation

Focuses on the disruptive and impactful nature of the innovation.

landmark decision

Emphasizes the historical importance and significance of the decision.

precedent-setting action

Highlights the action's role in establishing a new standard or example.

pathbreaking move

Emphasizes the original and unconventional character of the movement.

FAQs

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

Use "groundbreaking step" to describe an action that is innovative and leads to significant changes or developments. For example, "The new policy was a groundbreaking step in environmental conservation."

What can I say instead of "groundbreaking step"?

You can use alternatives like "revolutionary advance", "pioneering development", or "innovative measure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a "groundbreaking step" different from a regular step?

A "groundbreaking step" implies innovation and significant impact, setting it apart from ordinary actions. It suggests a departure from established practices and the introduction of something new and transformative.

Is "groundbreaking step" a formal or informal expression?

"Groundbreaking step" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is most effective in professional, news or academic settings where the innovative nature of the action is emphasized.