major breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

"major breakthrough" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The scientist's discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a major breakthrough.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was a major breakthrough".

The New York Times

A major breakthrough in gene therapy.

Stanford University

Nussenzweig's next major breakthrough came in 1979.

Nature

Mantell's realisation was a major breakthrough.

The Guardian

On verge of major breakthrough vis-à-vis choreography!

The New Yorker

The machine represents a major breakthrough in costs.

The New Yorker

"That was a major breakthrough in the profession," she said.

Independent

He added, "Do not expect any major breakthrough".

The New York Times

The identity of the Australian was the second major breakthrough.

The New York Times

"It's early days to portray this as a major breakthrough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "major breakthrough", be specific about its impact and the field it affects. Quantify the improvement or change whenever possible to emphasize its significance.

Common error

Avoid labeling something a "major breakthrough" without sufficient evidence or context to support the claim. Ensure the advancement genuinely represents a substantial leap forward, not just a minor improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major breakthrough" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize a significant advancement or discovery. According to Ludwig, its correct usage is supported by numerous examples across diverse sources, as it denotes a notable achievement that transcends ordinary progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major breakthrough" is a widely used noun phrase that denotes a significant and transformative advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various fields, including news, science, and academia. To effectively use "major breakthrough", ensure the context genuinely reflects a substantial leap forward. While alternatives exist, such as "significant advance" or "groundbreaking discovery", the original phrase remains a powerful and commonly recognized way to highlight key achievements. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its established place in the English lexicon as a marker of impactful progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking discovery

Stresses the originality and transformative impact of the finding.

revolutionary development

Focuses on the potential to cause significant change.

game-changing innovation

Emphasizes the disruptive impact on a field or industry.

significant advance

Emphasizes the degree of progress made.

critical advancement

Highlights the importance and necessity of the progress.

landmark achievement

Suggests a notable and important accomplishment.

remarkable progress

Highlights the exceptional nature of the advancement.

key innovation

Highlights the novelty and inventiveness of the achievement.

quantum leap

Implies a sudden and significant jump forward.

pivotal moment

Suggests a turning point or critical juncture.

FAQs

How can I use "major breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "major breakthrough" to describe a significant advancement or discovery in a particular field. For example, "The development of the new vaccine was a "major breakthrough" in the fight against the disease".

What are some alternatives to "major breakthrough"?

Alternatives to "major breakthrough" include "significant advance", "groundbreaking discovery", or "revolutionary development". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "major breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "major breakthrough" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant advancements in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. Ensure the context supports the claim of a substantial achievement.

What's the difference between "major breakthrough" and "minor improvement"?

"Major breakthrough" implies a substantial and transformative advancement, while "minor improvement" suggests a small, incremental change. A "major breakthrough" typically has a far-reaching impact and represents a significant leap forward.