make a discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a discovery" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like: "The scientists were eager to make a discovery that changed their field of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

They want to be the first to make a discovery.

The Guardian

After the consternation subsides, both make a discovery.

The New York Times

Sometimes, they can make a discovery right at home.

The New York Times

"But if we make a discovery, it may involve considerable resources.

The Guardian

"When we make a discovery we want it to be bulletproof," Dr. Borucki said.

The New York Times - Science

Everyone loves to make a discovery, though, and the year was rich in unknowns who catapulted to fame.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

In July, one of its members, Pamela Hall, made a discovery that would elevate the controversy.

The New York Times

Matt Ridley has made a discovery.

The Guardian - Books

It's just that we made a discovery.

The Guardian - Travel

My 9-year-old daughter had apparently made a discovery.

The New York Times

Objections notwithstanding, my father had made a discovery.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a discovery" when you want to emphasize the action of finding something new or previously unknown, often through investigation or experimentation.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your sentences in a passive voice that obscures who is "making" the discovery. For example, instead of "A discovery was made", specify "The scientist made a discovery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a discovery" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "a discovery" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase. It describes the act of finding or uncovering something previously unknown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a discovery" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of finding something new or previously unknown. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. It appears most often in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure your sentence clearly identifies who is making the discovery and avoid passive voice. Consider alternatives like "unearth something" or "stumble upon something" to add nuance to your writing. Overall, "make a discovery" is a valuable phrase for conveying the excitement and importance of finding new information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unearth something

This alternative emphasizes the act of uncovering or revealing something previously hidden.

stumble upon something

This suggests a chance or accidental finding.

find something unexpectedly

This highlights the element of surprise in the finding.

detect something

This focuses on the ability to perceive something not easily noticeable.

identify something

This implies recognizing or determining the nature of something.

ascertain something

This suggests finding something out for certain.

reveal something

This emphasizes the act of making something known.

bring to light

This is an idiomatic expression for revealing information or facts.

learn of something

This emphasizes the gaining of knowledge about something.

encounter something new

This focuses on experiencing or finding something previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "make a discovery" in a sentence?

You can use "make a discovery" to describe the act of finding something new or previously unknown. For example, "The researchers hoped to make a discovery that would revolutionize medicine".

What are some alternatives to "make a discovery"?

Some alternatives include "unearth something", "stumble upon something", or "find something unexpectedly".

Is it better to say "make a discovery" or "do a discovery"?

"Make a discovery" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Do a discovery" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "make a discovery" and "make a breakthrough"?

"Make a discovery" refers to finding something new, while "make a breakthrough" implies a significant advancement or achievement. A discovery may or may not lead to a breakthrough. You can "make a breakthrough".