significant discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important finding or revelation in various contexts, such as scientific research, historical findings, or personal insights. Example: "The archaeologists announced a significant discovery that could change our understanding of ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Natural gas has been the most significant discovery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Professor Segal says that pinpointing the cause of Crohn's is "a very, very significant discovery".

The Guardian

Probably the most significant discovery is that the differences are very small and subtle.

The New Yorker

"This is a significant discovery but we cannot say this is conclusive".

The New York Times

By then, the scientists involved realized they had a significant discovery on their hands.

The New York Times

After closer examination three years later, Dr. O'Connor reported what he then called a "startling and significant discovery".

The New York Times - Science

Their highly significant discovery touched off a spate of research everywhere, with new particles joining the fray in bewildering numbers.

The New York Times

He said he doesn't pay attention to "tiniest" reports, but the frogs themselves are a significant discovery.

The Guardian

Two weeks ago, as Americans were preoccupied playing Groundhog War in Iraq, a significant discovery was announced in Canada.

The New Yorker

This was the first commercially significant discovery of oil in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Her scientific legacy includes her significant discovery of the cognitive capability of the human cerebellum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "significant discovery", provide specific details about its impact or implications to emphasize its importance. Instead of just stating it's significant, explain why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "significant discovery" to describe minor or incremental findings. Ensure the discovery genuinely represents a substantial advancement or change in understanding to justify the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant discovery" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "discovery". It highlights the importance or impact of a finding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant discovery" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that emphasizes the importance and impact of a finding. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It's most often found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. To ensure accurate usage, provide details that support the claim of significance and avoid overstating the importance of minor findings. Alternatives like "major breakthrough" or "noteworthy finding" can be used to add nuance. As a best practice, explain why the discovery is significant rather than just stating it. Remember to use it to describe events of considerable value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impactful discovery

Highlights the extent of influence of the discovery.

major breakthrough

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the discovery.

remarkable finding

Stresses the unusual or extraordinary nature of the discovery.

noteworthy finding

Highlights the importance and interest of the discovered information.

pivotal discovery

Highlights the turning point or crucial importance of the discovery.

substantial revelation

Focuses on the revealing aspect of the discovery and its magnitude.

momentous find

Emphasizes the historical importance and lasting impact of the discovery.

groundbreaking invention

Implies the creation of something new and innovative as a result of the discovery.

key insight

Focuses on the understanding gained from the discovery.

critical detection

Highlights the importance of identifying or noticing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant discovery" to describe a finding that has major implications. For example, "The scientist reported a "significant discovery" in cancer research".

What can I say instead of "significant discovery"?

You can use alternatives like "major breakthrough", "noteworthy finding", or "substantial revelation" depending on the context.

What makes a discovery "significant"?

A discovery is considered "significant" if it has a notable impact on its field, leads to new understandings or applications, or changes existing perspectives. It goes beyond incremental findings to represent a substantial advancement.

Is there a difference between "significant discovery" and "important discovery"?

While both phrases are similar, "significant discovery" often implies a more profound or far-reaching impact than "important discovery". "Significant" suggests a lasting effect or a fundamental shift in understanding.