momentous development

USAGE SUMMARY

"momentous development" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an important event or turn of events. For example: "The signing of the peace treaty marked a momentous development in the country's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This is a momentous development, I think.

The Washington Post

This "momentous development" posed problems, however.

Harvard University

Hugh Marks told staff on Thursday the deal marked a "truly momentous development" for Nine.

The Guardian

In any case, culture and technology are increasingly reliant on the hive mind — and whatever its faults, Lanier's broadside helps us consider the consequences of this momentous development.

The New York Times - Magazine

Andrew Steer, the chief executive of the World Resources Institute, said it was a "momentous development" for America's efforts to deal with climate change.

The Guardian

"We really have a period of momentous development in molecular-scale electronics," said Dr. James C. Ellenbogen, a pioneer in molecular electronics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

John Laird's book gives a complete account of the momentous developments that have occurred in the Soar Cognitive Architecture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

ARTISANAL SOFT-SERVE Three momentous developments made 2012 the year to buy a soft-serve machine for your otherwise handcrafted restaurant — or, more likely, your fledgling food truck.

The New York Times - Food

The nutshell's kernel is that momentous developments followed from placing man, not God, at the centre of the Renaissance world view.

The Guardian - Books

In this commentary, we take a fresh look at emerging gas market trends in light of some of the momentous developments over the past 12 months.

Columbia University

The turret lathe, also developed in the United States in the middle of the 19th century, was fully automatic in some operations, such as making screws, and it presaged the momentous developments of the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "momentous development" to emphasize the significant and lasting impact of an event or situation. It's best suited for formal and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "momentous development" in casual or everyday conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentous development" functions as a noun phrase, where "momentous" modifies the noun "development". This phrase typically serves to highlight the importance and significance of a particular event or occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "momentous development" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a significant event, especially one with lasting consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's commonly found in news, academic writing, and scientific reports, reflecting a formal and neutral register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. Alternatives like "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The phrase serves to emphasize the importance of an event, signaling its potential for lasting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancement

Emphasizes forward progress and importance.

major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery.

historical milestone

Focuses on the long-term importance and place in history.

pivotal moment

Highlights a turning point or critical juncture.

critical turning point

Emphasizes a change in direction or outcome.

game-changing event

Suggests a significant alteration to the existing situation.

landmark achievement

Highlights a remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment.

notable incident

Indicates something worthy of attention or remembrance.

remarkable occurrence

Emphasizes the unusual or striking nature of the event.

watershed event

Signifies a crucial turning point with lasting consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "momentous development" in a sentence?

Use "momentous development" to describe an event or situation of great importance, especially one that has far-reaching consequences. For example, "The discovery of the new vaccine was a "momentous development" in the fight against the disease."

What are some alternatives to "momentous development"?

You can use alternatives like "significant advancement", "major breakthrough", or "historical milestone" depending on the context.

Is "momentous development" a formal phrase?

Yes, "momentous development" is a formal phrase best suited for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. Using it in casual conversation may sound overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "momentous development" and "important event"?

"Momentous development" suggests a turning point with lasting consequences, while "important event" simply indicates an event of significance. The former carries a stronger sense of historical impact.