several breakthroughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several breakthroughs" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to multiple significant advancements or discoveries in a particular field. For example, "The research team announced several breakthroughs in cancer treatment." Alternative expressions include "multiple advancements" and "numerous discoveries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

At the same time, working in his laboratory, Dr. Ganong made several breakthroughs.

The New York Times

Bob was a master practitioner in the study of lambda, and his research led to several breakthroughs in molecular biology.

The New York Times

Mr. Krim, who made several breakthroughs in a long career with the Raytheon Company and who had an early hand in the growth of the RadioShack chain, did not invent the transistor.

The New York Times

While it has a close relationship with Indiana's capital city, college sports have been at the forefront of several breakthroughs for gay rights in the last two years, and the young adults and college students the NCAA represents have generally been supportive of those changes.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent months, several breakthroughs or notable accomplishments by women have heightened the interest in whether they can compete on the same level as men: *Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada, considered the world's top female hockey player, became the first woman to score a goal in a men's professional league earlier this month.

The New York Times - Sports

IN a single morning last weekend, my 10-year-old nephew and I figured out how to end New Jersey's long-running trash war with New York, solved whatever financial problems the state government has and achieved several breakthroughs in classical physics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Through the 1980s, the exploration cost per barrel tumbled from around $20 to between $5 and $7 thanks to several breakthrough technologies, including 3D-seismic imaging.

The Economist

To gain further insight into the adsorption kinetics of aminofunctionalised aerogels several breakthrough experiments were conducted in this work.

Microporous and Mesoporous Materials

The development of DNA sequencing technology four decades ago was a major scientific hallmark and opened the doors for several breakthrough achievements in all areas of biology.

Environmental Sciences Europe

This language is implicitly related to several breakthrough techniques developed during the last two decades, to design parameterized algorithms for fundamental problems such as k-Path and r-Dimensional k-Matching.

Theoretical Computer Science

Several breakthrough experiments were designed to study the effect of different parameters such as pDNA topology and concentration as well as flow rate on the monolithic support binding capacity.

Journal of Chromatography A

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and impact, consider quantifying the breakthroughs or highlighting their specific outcomes. For instance, instead of just stating "several breakthroughs in medicine", specify "several breakthroughs in gene therapy have led to significant improvements in patient outcomes".

Common error

Avoid using "several breakthroughs" to describe minor improvements or incremental changes. Ensure that the advancements truly represent substantial progress and not merely marginal gains. False claims can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several breakthroughs" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting multiple instances of significant advancements or discoveries. Ludwig confirms that it is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

55%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several breakthroughs" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote multiple significant advancements. Ludwig AI identifies its usage across various contexts, with prominence in news, science, and general knowledge sources. While its register is generally neutral, it tends towards formal, making it suitable for academic and scientific writing. To use it effectively, ensure clear context and avoid exaggerating the significance of the advancements. Consider alternatives like "multiple significant advances" or "numerous key discoveries" for nuanced expression. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several notable advances

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the advances, keeping "several" to indicate quantity.

multiple significant advances

Replaces "breakthroughs" with "advances" and adds "significant" for emphasis; retains a similar level of formality.

numerous key discoveries

Substitutes "breakthroughs" with "discoveries" and "several" with "numerous", adding "key" to highlight importance.

many pivotal discoveries

Highlights the critical nature of the discoveries, swapping "several" for "many".

various major achievements

Replaces "breakthroughs" with "achievements" and "several" with "various", specifying "major" to denote the impact.

a series of major innovations

Focuses on the innovative aspect, replacing "breakthroughs" with "innovations" and using "a series of" to imply a sequence.

a number of important developments

Uses "a number of" instead of "several" and replaces "breakthroughs" with "developments", emphasizing the progressive nature of advancements.

remarkable scientific strides

Stresses the impact on scientific domain.

significant forward leaps

Highlights substantial advancements using a metaphoric construction.

considerable strides

Implies significant progress, a metaphoric shift from specific breakthroughs.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "several breakthroughs" in a sentence?

To use "several breakthroughs" effectively, ensure the context provides details about the specific advancements and their impact. For instance, "The company achieved "several breakthroughs" in renewable energy technology, leading to more efficient solar panels and wind turbines".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "several breakthroughs"?

Alternatives include "multiple significant advances", "numerous key discoveries", or "various major achievements". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "several breakthroughs" in formal writing?

Yes, "several breakthroughs" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing scientific, technological, or medical advancements. However, ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence to support the claim of significant progress.

What distinguishes "several breakthroughs" from "a breakthrough"?

"A breakthrough" refers to a single, significant advancement, while ""several breakthroughs"" indicates multiple advancements. The key difference lies in the quantity and scope of the progress being described.