significant breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant breakthrough" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a major development or discovery that could have a significant impact on a particular field. For example: The recent discovery of the new vaccine was a significant breakthrough in medicine, as it could help save lives.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a significant breakthrough.

The Economist

That would be a significant breakthrough.

The New York Times

In 2013 he made a significant breakthrough.

The Guardian

It is a very significant breakthrough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within two years, he had made a significant breakthrough.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, Zostavax represents a significant breakthrough, several scientists said.

The New York Times - Health

Coomaraswamy believes this week's ICC verdict is a significant breakthrough.

The Guardian

Marconi's most significant breakthrough was yet to come.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Still, the House Republican offer represented a potentially significant breakthrough.

The New York Times

This study provides significant breakthrough in this direction.

Nano Energy

I would argue the problem exists throughout all media, making significant breakthrough extremely difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant breakthrough" to highlight a development that overcomes a major obstacle or opens up new possibilities. For example, "The development of CRISPR technology represents a "significant breakthrough" in gene editing".

Common error

Avoid using "significant breakthrough" for minor improvements or routine advancements. Reserve it for developments that genuinely represent a major leap forward. For example, don't say "The software update was a "significant breakthrough"" if it only included minor bug fixes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant breakthrough" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it's used to describe a major advancement or discovery. Examples include "It was a "significant breakthrough"" and "Nonetheless, Zostavax represents a "significant breakthrough", several scientists said."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant breakthrough" is a frequently used noun phrase that highlights a major advancement or discovery. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for truly substantial achievements to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "groundbreaking development" or "major advancement" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

game-changing innovation

Suggests a radical shift in strategy or approach due to the innovation.

groundbreaking development

Implies a revolutionary change or a new direction.

revolutionary advance

Stresses the transformative impact of the progress.

substantial progress

Emphasizes the large degree of improvement or development made.

major advancement

Focuses on the progressive aspect of the development, highlighting its forward-moving nature.

remarkable progress

Emphasizes the extent and impressiveness of the forward movement.

key innovation

Emphasizes the novelty and ingenuity of the development.

notable achievement

Highlights the accomplishment aspect, suggesting a commendable feat.

critical success

Highlights the positive outcome and its importance.

pivotal moment

Focuses on the turning point or crucial instance that led to the advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant breakthrough" to describe a major achievement or advancement in a particular field. For instance, "The discovery of penicillin was a "significant breakthrough" in medicine".

What are some alternatives to "significant breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "major advancement", "key innovation", or "groundbreaking development", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a significant breakthrough was made"?

Yes, the phrase "a significant breakthrough was made" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a passive construction that emphasizes the achievement rather than the actor.

What's the difference between "significant breakthrough" and "incremental improvement"?

"Significant breakthrough" refers to a major, often unexpected, advancement, while "incremental improvement" indicates gradual progress made through small steps.