scientific breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

"scientific breakthrough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it whenever you are describing a major advancement in science, for example: "The scientists achieved a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough when they developed a new vaccine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To prevent those deaths does not require a scientific breakthrough.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Decoding the tsetse fly's DNA is a major scientific breakthrough.

The Guardian

Or the announcement of a great scientific breakthrough?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then, in 1985, an event occurred, he says, that led to his scientific breakthrough.

The New Yorker

"She was a very friendly animal that was part of a big scientific breakthrough".

The New York Times

Barring a scientific breakthrough, we can't merge Obama's analysis with George Bush's passion.

The New York Times

Somebody makes an important scientific breakthrough, which explains a piece of the world.

The New York Times

The scientific breakthrough resulted from many years of collaboration between IBM's Almaden Research Center and Stanford.

Stanford University

It took 70 years before compound microscopes contributed to a scientific breakthrough.

Stanford University

To disregard the data that result from this scientific breakthrough simply because it didn't follow standard procedure would be wrong.

The New York Times

It's the day that physicists are predicting for a great scientific breakthrough: the first direct detection of gravitational waves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "scientific breakthrough", be specific about the field and impact of the discovery. Instead of just saying a "scientific breakthrough" occurred, explain what area of science it affects and why it's significant.

Common error

Avoid using "scientific breakthrough" for minor advancements. Reserve the term for discoveries that genuinely transform understanding or practice within a scientific field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scientific breakthrough" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of event or achievement within the realm of science. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable. For example, Ludwig provides: "The scientific breakthrough resulted from many years of collaboration between IBM's Almaden Research Center and Stanford."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scientific breakthrough" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that signifies a momentous advancement in scientific knowledge or technology. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is high across various domains, with News & Media, Science and Academia being the most common contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the discovery genuinely warrants the term and is not merely an incremental improvement. Consider alternative phrases like "major scientific advancement" or "groundbreaking scientific innovation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately communicate the significance of scientific progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major scientific advancement

Emphasizes the progress made in science.

significant scientific discovery

Focuses on the act of finding something new in science.

groundbreaking scientific innovation

Highlights the innovative and pioneering aspect of the scientific achievement.

revolutionary scientific development

Implies a transformative impact of the scientific progress.

pivotal scientific finding

Stresses the importance and decisiveness of the scientific result.

remarkable scientific achievement

Emphasizes the exceptional quality of the accomplishment.

notable scientific progress

Highlights the noticeable and significant forward movement in science.

innovative scientific leap

Suggests a significant and imaginative step forward in scientific understanding.

pathbreaking scientific research

Focuses on the pioneering and precedent-setting nature of the scientific investigation.

transformative scientific advance

Highlights the changing effect and improvement in scientific field.

FAQs

How can I use "scientific breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "scientific breakthrough" to describe a significant advancement in a scientific field, as in "The discovery of CRISPR technology was a major "scientific breakthrough"".

What are some synonyms for "scientific breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "major scientific advancement", "significant scientific discovery", or "groundbreaking scientific innovation".

Is it appropriate to use "scientific breakthrough" in formal writing?

Yes, "scientific breakthrough" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific papers, reports, and academic discussions. It accurately conveys a significant scientific advancement.

What distinguishes a "scientific breakthrough" from a regular scientific finding?

A "scientific breakthrough" represents a substantial leap in knowledge or understanding, whereas a regular scientific finding might be incremental or confirmatory. Breakthroughs often open up new avenues of research or challenge existing paradigms.