it was a breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a breakthrough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant and sudden advance or discovery in a particular field or context. Example: "The new treatment for the disease was a breakthrough that changed the course of medical research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a program in only its eighth year competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, it was a breakthrough performance.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a breakthrough moment.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a breakthrough innovation.

Yale University

For Boston, it was a breakthrough moment.

The New York Times

But it was a breakthrough of sorts.

The Guardian

For the Lakers, it was a breakthrough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a breakthrough in criminology.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was a breakthrough," Michael told me.

The New Yorker

For Baloch, it was a breakthrough.

The New Yorker

For the players, it was a breakthrough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a breakthrough in war reporting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a breakthrough", ensure the context clearly defines what area or field the breakthrough occurred in to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a breakthrough" for minor advancements or improvements. Reserve it for truly significant developments that represent a notable leap forward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a breakthrough" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying or renaming the subject ("it"). It serves to characterize a prior event or situation as a significant advancement or turning point, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a breakthrough" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a significant advancement or turning point. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across varied contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific domains, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone. While versatile, it should be reserved for events of genuine significance to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "it represented a major advance" or "it marked a significant leap forward" offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it represented a major advance

Emphasizes the advancement aspect, focusing on progress made.

it signified a turning point

Highlights the aspect of a significant change in direction or circumstances.

it marked a significant leap forward

Focuses on the idea of a substantial improvement or progression.

it constituted a key development

Stresses the importance of the event as a critical advancement.

it proved to be a game changer

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the event or discovery.

it was a watershed moment

Suggests a clear division between what came before and what comes after.

it heralded a new era

Highlights the beginning of a new period or phase.

it paved the way for future progress

Focuses on the preparatory aspect, enabling subsequent advancements.

it opened up new possibilities

Highlights the creation of new opportunities or avenues.

it unlocked unprecedented potential

Emphasizes the releasing of previously untapped capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a breakthrough" in a sentence?

Use "it was a breakthrough" to highlight a significant advancement or turning point in a particular field or situation. For example, "The discovery of penicillin "it was a breakthrough" in medicine".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was a breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "it represented a major advance", "it marked a significant leap forward", or "it proved to be a game changer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it was a breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was a breakthrough" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing scientific, technological, or medical advancements. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong statement.

What makes something qualify as "a breakthrough"?

A breakthrough typically involves a significant advance, discovery, or development that overcomes a major obstacle or opens up new possibilities. It should represent a clear departure from previous limitations or challenges.