major breakthroughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major breakthroughs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant advancements or discoveries in a particular field or area of study. Example: "The research team announced several major breakthroughs in cancer treatment that could change the course of therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There have been major breakthroughs in solar.

The New York Times

He soon made two major breakthroughs.

The Guardian

On their own, these are unlikely to produce major breakthroughs.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are not talks in which we expect major breakthroughs".

The New York Times

The years after World War II, however, were a time of major breakthroughs in epidemiological thought.

The New York Times - Health

Initiatives aimed at breaking down resistance, however, have achieved "major breakthroughs", according to Ali.

The Guardian

Four decades ago Rosenkranz and a colleague had two major breakthroughs, almost simultaneously.

The New York Times - Arts

"The major breakthroughs have come from law enforcement, not by any testing," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

There were no major breakthroughs in what is expected to be a lengthy process.

The New York Times

Mr. Fukuda's visit, his first as prime minister, promised no major breakthroughs.

The New York Times

Those victories were the bricks that laid the foundation for major breakthroughs in the 1980s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific or technological advancements, use "major breakthroughs" to emphasize significant and impactful discoveries. For broader progress, consider "significant advancements".

Common error

Avoid using "major breakthroughs" to describe incremental improvements. Reserve it for advancements that fundamentally change the field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major breakthroughs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting significant and impactful advancements or discoveries. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major breakthroughs" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to describe significant advancements or discoveries across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is common in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is generally suitable for formal writing, it is crucial to reserve it for advancements that fundamentally change a field rather than for minor improvements. Alternatives such as "significant advancements", "pivotal discoveries", or "groundbreaking developments" can be used to add nuance to your writing and should be chosen carefully based on context. With a high expert rating, "major breakthroughs" remains a reliable and effective phrase when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancements

Focuses more on the degree of progress rather than the suddenness of a breakthrough.

groundbreaking developments

Implies innovative and precedent-setting advancements.

game-changing innovations

This phrase highlights the transformative impact of the innovations.

key innovations

Emphasizes the novelty and inventiveness of the advancements.

revolutionary changes

Focuses on the transformative nature of the advancements.

substantial progress

Highlights the level of progression made in a particular field.

pivotal discoveries

Stresses the importance and turning-point nature of the discoveries.

notable advancements

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and visibility of the progress.

remarkable achievements

Highlights the success and accomplishment aspect of the breakthroughs.

critical milestones

Highlights the importance of these events for future development.

FAQs

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

You can use "major breakthroughs" to describe significant advancements or discoveries in a particular field. For example: "The research team announced several "major breakthroughs" in cancer treatment."

What are some alternatives to using "major breakthroughs"?

Alternatives include "significant advancements", "pivotal discoveries", or "groundbreaking developments", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "major breakthroughs" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing science, technology, or medicine. It clearly communicates significant progress or discoveries.

What distinguishes "major breakthroughs" from "minor improvements"?

"Major breakthroughs" signify fundamental shifts or pivotal advancements in a field, while "minor improvements" refer to incremental changes or refinements that do not necessarily alter the overall landscape of the field.