major operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant surgical procedure or a large-scale undertaking in various contexts, such as business or military operations. Example: "The patient is scheduled for a major operation to address the heart condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Major operation".

The Guardian

Recovery from a major operation?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She needed a major operation and quickly.

The Guardian - Money

"It was a major operation," he said.

The New York Times

Doing the dishes became a major operation.

The New Yorker

And Austen had just undergone a major operation.

The Guardian

One of my patients needs a major operation.

The Guardian

He needed another major operation to replace it.

The New York Times - Science

He accomplished a major operation in such a war.

The New York Times

But its major operation is still in Coventry.

The Guardian

Or he could have a major operation to find out what they were.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical situation, use "major operation" to convey the seriousness and complexity of the surgical intervention. Ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to a medical procedure or a large-scale non-medical undertaking.

Common error

Avoid using "major operation" for minor procedures or routine tasks. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create a false sense of urgency or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major operation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies the noun "operation". It describes a surgical procedure of considerable significance or scale. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major operation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe significant surgical procedures or large-scale undertakings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific publications to general discussions. While most often associated with medical interventions, its usage can extend to non-medical scenarios, albeit less commonly. When writing, it is important to consider the context to make sure that the weight carried by "major operation" is truly applicable, as overuse may result in diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "significant surgery" or "extensive procedure" can be used to add nuance or variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant surgery

Emphasizes the importance and scale of the surgical procedure.

extensive procedure

Highlights the complexity and thoroughness of the operation.

critical procedure

Emphasizes the essential nature of the operation for the patient's well-being.

serious surgery

Focuses on the potential risks and severity associated with the operation.

Substantial surgical intervention

Highlights the complexity and thoroughness of the operation.

complex intervention

Highlights the intricacy and skill required for the operation.

severe intervention

Highlights the intensity and potential impact of the operation.

large-scale undertaking

Shifts the focus to the magnitude and scope of the operation in a non-medical context.

major undertaking

Broadens the scope to any significant project, not necessarily medical.

radical measure

Implies a drastic and impactful operation, often as a last resort.

FAQs

How is "major operation" used in a sentence?

The phrase "major operation" is used to describe a significant surgical procedure. For example, "The patient underwent a "major operation" to repair a heart valve".

What are some alternatives to "major operation"?

Alternatives include "significant surgery", "extensive procedure", or "serious surgery". The choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "major operation" in a business context?

Yes, but it's less common. In a business context, "major operation" can refer to a large-scale undertaking or strategic initiative. However, alternatives like "significant project" or "major undertaking" might be more suitable.

What are the typical risks associated with a "major operation"?

Like any significant surgery, a "major operation" carries risks such as infection, complications from anesthesia, and potential for long-term recovery. The specific risks depend on the nature of the operation and the patient's overall health.