major step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or advancement in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a major step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a major step forward".

The New York Times

This was a major step forward.

Independent

Rio 92 was a major step forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Major step forward to #EU #Banking Union

The Guardian - Business

This is a major step forward".

The New York Times

"That would be a major step forward".

The Guardian

But is it a major step forward?

The New York Times

The officials described it as a major step forward.

The New York Times

The report, Ms. Fisher said, "is a major step forward".

The New York Times

But this could be a major step forward.

The Guardian

But does Vickers represent a major step forward?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major step forward" to highlight significant advancements or progress in a particular field or situation. For instance, "The new agreement is a "major step forward" in international cooperation."

Common error

Avoid using "major step forward" for minor improvements. Reserve it for situations where the progress is genuinely substantial and impactful, otherwise it could dilute the phrase's intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major step forward" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive. It serves to characterize a specific event, action, or decision as representing significant advancement. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in describing advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major step forward" is a commonly used phrase to denote significant progress or advancement. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable, as seen in numerous examples from news and media sources. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving to emphasize the importance of a particular development. While versatile in register, it's important to reserve its usage for genuinely substantial advancements to maintain its intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancement

Focuses on the degree of progress being substantial.

notable progress

Highlights the fact that the progress is worthy of attention.

important breakthrough

Emphasizes the impact as something newly discovered or achieved.

substantial development

Focuses on the growth and evolution of something.

considerable improvement

Highlights that something has gotten better in quality or condition.

big leap forward

Stresses the magnitude of advancement.

marked progress

Highlights clear or easily noticeable progress.

positive development

Emphasizes the beneficial nature of the progress.

meaningful advance

Stresses that the progress has significance and purpose.

quantum leap

Suggests a sudden and significant jump in progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "major step forward" to describe significant progress or advancement in a specific context. For example, "The new legislation represents a "major step forward" in environmental protection".

What are some alternatives to "major step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "significant advancement", "notable progress", or "important breakthrough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "major step forward" formal or informal language?

"Major step forward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse professional and personal communication.

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

"Major step forward" emphasizes substantial advancement, while "small step forward" indicates incremental or minor progress. The choice depends on the scale of the progress you are describing.