major leap forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major leap forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant advancement or improvement in a particular area or field. Example: "The new technology represents a major leap forward in renewable energy solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a major leap forward".

Independent

'For the government to accept that institutional racism exists is a major leap forward.

The Guardian

We'll also take a major leap forward in modernizing and improving emergency communications.

The New York Times

Cancer Australia's chief executive, Dr Helen Zorbas, said the data represented a "major leap forward" for cancer control in Australia.

The Guardian

A major leap forward toward this goal is developing a quantitative tool to predict spatial and temporal bone formation in scaffold.

Biomaterials

SEVEN months ago, Haruko Obokata (pictured) stormed into Japan's public consciousness in a nationally televised press conference in which she claimed a major leap forward in regenerative medicine.

The Economist

Doctors called her progress "a major leap forward" but expressed caution, saying that for now, they would not upgrade Ms. Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, from critical condition.

The New York Times

Richard Lane of the National Science Foundation said, "Human comprehension of the history of life on Earth is taking a major leap forward".

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES – A quest by Warner Brothers to rid its Superman character of legal entanglements just took a major leap forward.

The New York Times

So we want to use the next parliament to make a major leap forward on the environmental agenda across the board.

The Guardian

If true, this would represent a major leap forward in the country's nuclear program because thermonuclear devices are more powerful and difficult to build.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major leap forward" to describe significant advancements that noticeably improve existing conditions or introduce innovative solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "major leap forward" for trivial improvements. Reserve it for changes that represent genuine and substantial progress, not incremental adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major leap forward" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It signifies a substantial advancement or breakthrough, frequently highlighting progress in various fields, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

26%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major leap forward" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a substantial advancement or breakthrough. According to Ludwig, it's frequently employed in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for genuinely significant improvements, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "significant advancement" or "substantial progress" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey the impact of progress in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancement

Replaces "leap forward" with "advancement", implying a more gradual but still important progress.

substantial progress

Substitutes "major leap" with "substantial progress", suggesting considerable but potentially less dramatic improvement.

breakthrough innovation

Emphasizes the innovative aspect of the advancement, implying a novel and impactful development.

quantum improvement

Highlights the magnitude of the improvement, suggesting a significant and measurable change.

notable stride

Replaces "leap" with "stride", indicating a confident and purposeful step forward.

transformative development

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the development, implying a fundamental change.

game-changing innovation

Highlights the disruptive nature of the innovation, suggesting it alters the competitive landscape.

groundbreaking advancement

Stresses the pioneering nature of the advancement, implying it sets a new standard.

pivotal shift

Indicates a critical change in direction or approach.

revolutionary progress

Emphasizes the radical and transformative nature of the progress.

FAQs

How can I use "major leap forward" in a sentence?

You can use "major leap forward" to describe a significant advancement or improvement. For example: "The new technology represents a "major leap forward" in renewable energy solutions."

What can I say instead of "major leap forward"?

You can use alternatives like "significant advancement", "substantial progress", or "breakthrough innovation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "major leap forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "major leap forward" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant advancements in technology, science, or policy. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong description.

What's the difference between "major leap forward" and "major step forward"?

While both phrases indicate progress, ""major leap forward"" suggests a more substantial and rapid advancement compared to a "major step forward", which implies a significant but potentially less dramatic progression.