made the leap

USAGE SUMMARY

"made the leap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a change or transition from one place or situation to another, usually in a dramatic or significant way. For example: "He had to take a lot of risks, but in the end, he made the leap and opened his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In July 2010, he made the leap.

The New York Times - Sports

But she never quite made the leap.

The New York Times - Arts

Daffodils have never yet made the leap.

Independent

Brown made the leap, too.

The New Yorker

Once vinegar made the leap, it persisted.

The New York Times - Food

"He made the leap," she said.

The New York Times

A few made the leap to the Conservatives.

Independent

But one or two have made the leap to fabrication.

The Economist

I made the leap to L.A. without knowing anyone.

The New York Times

But others made the leap all the way up top.

The New York Times

Nike's Nike+ FuelBand still hasn't made the leap.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made the leap" when you want to emphasize a significant and often courageous transition from one state, career, or situation to another. For example, "She made the leap from teaching to software engineering."

Common error

While "made the leap" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "transitioned" or "shifted" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the leap" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a significant transition or change. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing career changes, technological advancements, and even the transmission of diseases across species. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made the leap" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant transition or change, often implying courage or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is particularly common in news and media, as shown in Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times and Forbes. While generally neutral in tone, it may be wise to consider more formal alternatives like "transitioned" or "shifted" in academic or highly professional contexts. When writing, consider if you are trying to emphasize the boldness, risk or intentionality of the transition, as these meanings are all part of the nuances of "made the leap".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took the plunge

Suggests a more decisive and possibly risky action.

transitioned

Implies a smoother, more gradual change.

shifted gears

Indicates a change in approach or strategy.

changed direction

Focuses on altering the course of action.

advanced

Emphasizes progress or forward movement.

moved on

Suggests leaving something behind and starting anew.

progressed

Highlights development and advancement over time.

evolved

Implies a natural and gradual development.

undertook a transformation

Emphasizes a complete and fundamental change.

embarked on a new path

Suggests a fresh start and a different direction.

FAQs

How can I use "made the leap" in a sentence?

You can use "made the leap" to describe a significant change or transition, such as "He "took the plunge" and started his own business" or "The company "transitioned" to a new software platform".

What are some alternatives to "made the leap"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""took the plunge"", ""transitioned"", "changed direction", or "embarked on a new path", depending on the specific context.

Is "made the leap" formal or informal?

"Made the leap" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "transitioned" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What does it mean to say someone "made the leap"?

To say someone "made the leap" means they made a significant change, often involving risk or courage. It implies leaving one situation for another, usually with a sense of purpose or ambition.