make a breakthrough in a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a breakthrough in a case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to investigations, research, or problem-solving where significant progress or discovery has been achieved. Example: "After months of investigation, the detective was finally able to make a breakthrough in the case, uncovering crucial evidence that led to an arrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wolff is attempting to make a breakthrough in what is a male-dominated sport.

BBC

Last week the Royal Thai Police said they were "confident" of making a breakthrough in the case after coming under fire for their handling of the investigation.

Independent

Mr. Gates wanted to keep going in case Iran made a breakthrough in longer-range missiles; other officials wanted a clean break from the old system.

The New York Times

So when I read today that neuroscientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in their research to find a cure for Alzheimer's I was excited.

Forbes

He made a breakthrough in 1935.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SpaceX recently made a breakthrough in privatized space flight.

The Guardian - Tech

A secretive company has made a breakthrough in mastering nuclear fusion.

Science Magazine

Has NASA made a breakthrough in the search extraterrestrial life?

Huffington Post

It hopes to make a breakthrough by winning its first seats in Westminster next year.

BBC

England will be in the hunt if they can make a breakthrough, but where is that breakthrough coming from?

BBC

Maybe some American scientist in a laboratory somewhere is about to make a breakthrough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a breakthrough in a case", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the 'case'. Be specific about the area or situation where progress is being made (e.g., a criminal investigation, scientific research, or business negotiation).

Common error

Avoid using "make a breakthrough in a case" to describe minor improvements or incremental steps. Reserve this phrase for situations where truly significant and transformative progress has been achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a breakthrough in a case" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of achieving significant progress or a key discovery that advances a specific investigation, research endeavor, or problem-solving scenario. Although Ludwig shows limited occurrences, the grammatical structure is sound.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a breakthrough in a case" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe achieving significant progress in a defined scenario, such as an investigation or research project. While not frequently used, as evidenced by Ludwig's limited examples, it's generally acceptable and can be replaced with alternatives like "achieve a breakthrough in the case" or "reach a breakthrough in the case" to convey similar meaning. It's crucial to use this phrase when the progress is genuinely significant, avoiding its application to minor advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve a breakthrough in the case

Replaces "make" with "achieve", focusing on the accomplishment of the breakthrough.

reach a breakthrough in the case

Substitutes "make" with "reach", highlighting the arrival at a point of significant progress.

find a breakthrough in the case

Uses "find" instead of "make", suggesting the discovery of a pre-existing breakthrough.

secure a breakthrough in the case

Emphasizes the effort and success in obtaining a breakthrough.

gain a breakthrough in the case

Highlights the acquisition of a breakthrough as a result of effort.

effect a breakthrough in the case

Uses "effect" to suggest causing or bringing about a breakthrough.

develop a breakthrough in the case

Focuses on the creation or development of a breakthrough.

engineer a breakthrough in the case

Implies skillful or artful contrivance of a breakthrough.

produce a breakthrough in the case

Suggests the generation of a breakthrough as an outcome.

uncover a breakthrough in the case

Indicates the exposure or revelation of a previously hidden breakthrough.

FAQs

How can I use "make a breakthrough in a case" in a sentence?

You can use "make a breakthrough in a case" to describe achieving a significant advancement or discovery within a specific situation. For example, "The detectives were finally able to make a breakthrough in the case after analyzing the new evidence."

What are some alternatives to "make a breakthrough in a case"?

Alternatives include "achieve a breakthrough in the case", "reach a breakthrough in the case", or "find a breakthrough in the case", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "achieve a breakthrough in a case" instead of "make a breakthrough in a case"?

Yes, "achieve a breakthrough in a case" is a perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct alternative. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "make a breakthrough in a case" and simply "solve a case"?

"Make a breakthrough in a case" implies significant progress or discovery that helps in solving the case, while "solve a case" means reaching a final resolution. You can make a breakthrough without immediately solving the case, but solving the case often involves making one or more breakthroughs.