the discovery that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the discovery that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a finding or realization that has been made, often in a scientific or analytical context. Example: "The discovery that certain bacteria can survive in extreme conditions has opened new avenues for research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the discovery that opened up the nanoworld.

MIT Technology Review

But now it's not the discovery that excites me.

The New York Times

The discovery that spurred Dr. Stevenson's imaginings is more modest, at least on the surface.

The New York Times

But the discovery that set the festival on its ears was director Takashi Miike.

The Guardian - Film

And as individuals, we miss the discovery that can come with the unexpected.

The Washington Post

Even so, no one had any idea of the discovery that lay ahead.

BBC

The discovery that chimpanzees used sticks to extract protein-rich termites forced us to re-think.

BBC

The discovery that you have lost the key.

The New Yorker

The discovery that neutrinos oscillate between forms has huge consequences.

The New Yorker

Humorous story about the discovery that Boots is dull.

The New Yorker

The discovery that truth is subjective is the root of abstract art.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the discovery that", ensure the subsequent clause provides clear and specific information about the finding. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements following the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "the discovery that" for stating obvious or commonly known facts. This phrase is best reserved for introducing genuinely novel or surprising findings. Using it for trivial information can diminish its impact and sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the discovery that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It highlights a specific finding or realization, setting the stage for further explanation or analysis, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the discovery that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce significant findings or realizations, particularly in formal contexts like news, science, and academia. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. When using "the discovery that", be sure to follow it with a clear and specific statement, avoiding trivial or obvious information. Alternative phrases like "the finding that" or "the revelation that" can provide similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis. Ultimately, mastering the use of this phrase involves understanding its formal tone and applying it appropriately to convey new and important information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the finding that

Replaces "discovery" with "finding", emphasizing the act of locating information.

the revelation that

Substitutes "discovery" with "revelation", suggesting a surprising or previously unknown fact.

the realization that

Emphasizes the process of becoming aware of something, rather than the initial finding.

the observation that

Focuses on noticing or perceiving something, often in a scientific context.

the insight that

Highlights a deeper understanding gained from the discovery.

the understanding that

Stresses comprehension and knowledge derived from the discovery.

the conclusion that

Indicates a judgment or decision reached after considering the discovery.

the finding of fact that

A more formal alternative, often used in legal or official contexts.

the acknowledgment that

Highlights the acceptance or recognition of a fact revealed by the discovery.

the evidence that

Shifts the focus to the supporting proof for a particular fact.

FAQs

How can I use "the discovery that" in a sentence?

Use "the discovery that" to introduce a new finding or realization, often in a formal or scientific context. For example, "The discovery that certain bacteria can survive in extreme conditions has opened new avenues for research."

What are some alternatives to "the discovery that"?

You can use alternatives like "the finding that", "the revelation that", or "the realization that depending on the nuance you want to convey".

Is "the discovery that" formal or informal?

"The discovery that" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. It's less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "the discovery that" and "the fact that"?

"The discovery that" implies a new finding or something previously unknown, while "the fact that" simply introduces an existing piece of information.