pioneering move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pioneering move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an innovative or groundbreaking action taken by an individual or organization. Example: "The company's pioneering move to adopt renewable energy sources has set a new standard in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

You've made a pioneering move.

Cornell University

At the time, it was a pioneering move.

The Guardian - Money

In its press release it claims that it's a pioneering move to "ease the complexity in the digital licensing space".

The Guardian

But Mexico's pioneering move, as of April 1st, to force the whole country to adopt electronic invoicing has killed the racket stone dead.

The Economist

Opening a research laboratory in China in 1998, a pioneering move for a foreign company, was a calculated decision intended to help Microsoft attract fresh, cheap talent.

The Economist

Cornucopia When Larry Fox opened Cornucopia, his health food store, in the World Trade Center in 1977, it was a pioneering move.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The store followed with pioneering moves, including stocking new and used books on the same shelves and listing inventory on the Web in 1994, before Amazon existed.

Forbes

In 2008, the weekly Presidential radio address that Franklin Delano Roosevelt pioneered moved to YouTube.

The New Yorker

By Sheila Marikar In 2008, the weekly Presidential radio address that Franklin Delano Roosevelt pioneered moved to YouTube.

The New Yorker

Ford's pioneering moving assembly line was a direct result.

Harvard Business Review

Tomorrow he will meet the Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, whom he has taken to task for her pioneering moves to make the pope's home country the first in Latin America to legalise gay marriage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action as a "pioneering move", ensure that it genuinely represents a significant departure from existing norms or practices in its field. Provide concrete examples to illustrate its innovative nature and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "pioneering move" to describe incremental improvements or actions that are already common in other industries. The term implies a significant breakthrough, not just a minor adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pioneering move" functions as a noun phrase, where "pioneering" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "move". It describes an action or decision that is innovative and groundbreaking. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pioneering move" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe innovative and precedent-setting actions. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s considered correct and readily usable. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in academic and wiki settings, indicating a generally neutral to professional tone. When employing this phrase, remember it signifies a significant departure from established norms, rather than a minor adjustment. For alternatives, consider "groundbreaking initiative" or "trailblazing effort" to add subtle differences in emphasis. Overusing the term for simple actions, or stating the novelty it's a common pitfall to watch out for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking initiative

Focuses on the innovative and impactful aspect of the action taken.

trailblazing effort

Emphasizes the exploratory and precedent-setting nature of the endeavor.

innovative step

Highlights the novelty and originality of the action.

vanguard action

Stresses the leading and progressive aspect of the activity.

pathfinding measure

Underscores the role of the action in establishing a new direction.

first-of-its-kind development

Emphasizes the uniqueness and originality of the action.

novel approach

Highlights the new and unconventional method used.

revolutionary tactic

Focuses on the transformative and disruptive nature of the method.

original undertaking

Highlights the creativity and distinctiveness of the endeavor.

unprecedented step

Highlights the fact that this action has never occurred before.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pioneering move" in a sentence?

Use "pioneering move" to describe an action that is innovative, groundbreaking, and sets a new precedent in a particular field. For instance, "The company's investment in AI research was a "pioneering move" that transformed the industry".

What are some alternatives to saying "pioneering move"?

You can use alternatives such as "groundbreaking initiative", "trailblazing effort", or "innovative step" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most fitting alternative.

Is it correct to describe a minor innovation as a "pioneering move"?

While technically grammatically correct, describing a minor innovation as a "pioneering move" can be an overstatement. The phrase implies a significant and impactful breakthrough, so it's best reserved for actions that truly represent a significant departure from the norm.

What distinguishes a "pioneering move" from a simple innovation?

A "pioneering move" goes beyond simple innovation by establishing a new direction or setting a precedent for others to follow. It's not just about being new, but about being transformative and influencing future developments. Consider using "innovative step" for less significant innovations.