major development

USAGE SUMMARY

"major development" is an appropriate term that can be used in written English.
For example, "The new technology represented a major development in this field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was a major development.

The New York Times

"That's a major development".

The New York Times

Tax has arrived as a major development issue.

The Guardian

Next week may bring a major development in another field.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We knew that this would be a major development stimulus.

The New York Times

Major development institutions have started paying attention to such discrepancies.

The Guardian

"We had three major development challenges," Mr. Nissan said.

The New York Times

Turing was responsible for another major development in breaking Enigma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its major development began under Emperor Shihuangdi about 220 bc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MWB has already undertaken a major development in Docklands.

Independent

A major development in the new survey concerned the smartphone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major development", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being developed and why it is considered significant. Provide specific details to illustrate the scope and impact of the development.

Common error

Avoid using "major development" for minor or incremental changes. Ensure the described advancement represents a substantial leap forward or a notable shift in the status quo.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major development" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "major" modifies the noun "development". It is used to identify something as an event, stage, or outcome that is important and noteworthy. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major development" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the significance of an event or advancement. As Ludwig examples illustrate, it appears most often in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing the phrase, clarify the nature and importance of the development being described and avoid overstating its significance. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for general use. Considering alternatives like "significant advance" or "key breakthrough" can enhance precision in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advance

Focuses on the positive aspect of progress or improvement, omitting the broader sense of an unfolding event.

key breakthrough

Emphasizes a sudden, important discovery or innovation, rather than a gradual process.

groundbreaking innovation

Highlights the inventive aspect of a new development but does not capture the sense of overall progress.

important milestone

Highlights a specific point of progress in a larger project or process, lacking the general implication of advancement.

landmark achievement

Emphasizes the successful completion of a significant goal, rather than an ongoing process of development.

substantial progress

Emphasizes the extent of improvement, but does not necessarily imply a singular event or item.

notable event

Focuses on the occurrence of an event, without implying a positive or progressive change.

critical turning point

Emphasizes a moment of change in direction, but does not necessarily indicate positive advancement.

pivotal moment

Stresses the critical importance of a specific instant, lacking the broader scope of a larger process.

radical transformation

Implies a more dramatic and complete change than a "major development" might suggest.

FAQs

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

You can use "major development" to describe a significant event, innovation, or advancement. For example, "The discovery of the new drug was a "major development" in the fight against cancer".

What are some alternatives to "major development"?

Alternatives include "significant advance", "key breakthrough", or "important milestone", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "major development" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing advancements in fields such as science, technology, or business.

What distinguishes "major development" from "minor improvement"?

"Major development" implies a substantial change or advancement with significant impact, whereas "minor improvement" refers to a small, incremental change that has limited influence.