seminal work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seminal work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is the originator or initiator of an important concept, idea, or field of study, and it is usually used in a more formal academic context. For example: "Freud's theories on the unconscious mind are considered to be seminal work in the field of psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A truly seminal work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"God's Doodle" is a seminal work.

The Economist

Williams's play remains a seminal work.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet it remains a seminal work.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a genuinely seminal work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They include her seminal work The Destruction of the Father.

The Guardian

Not all architects are equally proficient at producing seminal work.

The New York Times

And then it was time for "Revelations," Ailey's seminal work.

The New York Times - Arts

This seminal work became a classic of feminist literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both challenges have been tackled in this seminal work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mechoulam has done much of the seminal work on the chemical composition of cannabis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seminal work", provide context by briefly explaining the work's significance or the impact it has had on subsequent research or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal work" to describe everyday or minor contributions. This phrase is best reserved for truly groundbreaking achievements that have had a significant and lasting influence. Consider alternatives like "important study" or "notable contribution" for less impactful works.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal work" functions as a noun phrase, where "seminal" is an adjective modifying the noun "work". It serves to describe a specific piece of work as highly influential and foundational within a particular field or discipline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seminal work" is a powerful descriptor, reserved for pieces that have fundamentally shaped their fields. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. When using "seminal work", consider its high register and ensure the described work truly merits this distinction. Alternatives such as "groundbreaking study" or "influential contribution" may be more appropriate for less impactful works. The phrase's function is to denote exceptional importance and lasting influence, so reserve it for cases where those qualities are genuinely present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking study

Focuses on the innovative aspect of the work as a study or research.

influential contribution

Highlights the impact the work had on a particular field or area.

pioneering achievement

Emphasizes the work's role in opening up new avenues or possibilities.

landmark publication

Underscores the work's significance as a published piece and its lasting impact.

foundational text

Highlights the work as a base or foundation for further developments.

momentous creation

Focuses on the importance and lasting impact of the created work.

significant piece

A more general phrase indicating the importance of the work.

key development

Focuses on the work as a crucial advancement in a specific area.

essential contribution

Emphasizes the necessity and value of the work.

critical study

Highlights the importance of the work as a study for a particular subject or field.

FAQs

How is "seminal work" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "seminal work" is used to describe a piece of work that has had a significant influence on subsequent work. For example: "Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' is considered a "seminal work" in evolutionary biology."

What are some alternatives to "seminal work"?

Alternatives include "groundbreaking study", "influential contribution", or "pioneering achievement", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "seminal work"?

It's appropriate when the work has fundamentally changed the way people think about a particular subject, influenced future research or practice, and is widely recognized as highly important and innovative.

Is "seminal work" the same as "important work"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "seminal work" implies a more profound and lasting impact. An "important work" may be valuable and noteworthy, but a "seminal work" has shaped the field itself.