quantum leap

USAGE SUMMARY

"quantum leap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden, dramatic, or unprecedented improvement or advance, for example: "The invention of the internet was a quantum leap in communication technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a quantum leap forward".

The New York Times

I say we need a quantum leap.

The New Yorker

This was "a quantum leap," Elroy thought.

The New Yorker

This is Google's next quantum leap.

The Guardian

What was your favourite Quantum Leap episode?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Online gaming is the next quantum leap".

The New York Times

We need to make a quantum leap".

The New York Times

You have to make a quantum leap.

The Guardian

What followed was a remarkable quantum leap in storage capacity.

The Economist

Hoyt calls it a "quantum leap" for the archery industry.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Romney candidacy represents literally a quantum leap forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quantum leap" to describe advancements that are not just incremental improvements but represent a significant departure from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "quantum leap" to describe minor improvements or changes. Reserve it for situations where the advancement is truly substantial and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quantum leap" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a sudden and significant advancement, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quantum leap" is a widely recognized and accepted way to describe a dramatic or significant advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for truly substantial changes, it remains a powerful tool for emphasizing the magnitude and impact of a particular development. Alternatives such as "major breakthrough" or "radical transformation" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, but "quantum leap" retains its unique emphasis on sudden and transformative progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major breakthrough

Emphasizes a significant discovery or achievement that overcomes a barrier.

giant stride

Implies a large and important step forward, highlighting progress.

significant advancement

Focuses on the improvement or progression made in a specific field or area.

radical transformation

Suggests a fundamental change in nature or structure, implying a complete shift.

revolutionary development

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking aspect of the change.

game changer

Indicates something that drastically alters the current situation or strategy.

step change

Emphasizes a distinct and measurable improvement or alteration.

sea change

Implies a profound and widespread transformation, often affecting attitudes or opinions.

paradigm shift

Suggests a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.

breakthrough innovation

Focuses on the element of novelty and originality in achieving a significant advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "quantum leap" in a sentence?

Use "quantum leap" to describe a significant or dramatic advancement. For example: "The company's profits saw a "quantum leap" after the new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to using "quantum leap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "major breakthrough", "significant advancement", or "radical transformation".

Is it appropriate to use "quantum leap" in formal writing?

Yes, "quantum leap" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a substantial advancement or change. Its usage is well-established and understood in professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "quantum leap" and "significant improvement"?

"Significant improvement" describes a notable betterment, while "quantum leap" implies a more dramatic and transformative change. A "quantum leap" suggests a fundamental shift, not just a gradual enhancement.