waiting for a breakthrough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for a breakthrough" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means patiently anticipating a major development or solution to a problem. Example: After months of research and testing, the team was still waiting for a breakthrough in their efforts to cure the disease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

OUTLOOK: Still waiting for a breakthrough.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not a matter of people waiting for a breakthrough".

The New York Times - Tech

Federer added: "He's obviously waiting for a breakthrough where he can win this title.

The New York Times - Sports

Science in the 21st century is exploding with astonishing advances, yet we're still waiting for a breakthrough in improving the diversity and representation of those doing the research.

The Guardian

It's cleared up the right and the ball breaks to Yakubu, he begins a few seconds of thoughtful Everton play as they stroke it about waiting for a breakthrough.

The Guardian - Sport

Similarly, the industry isn't waiting for a breakthrough technological advance to finally achieve its potential.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The world's cameras are trained on the British Parliament, waiting for a Brexit breakthrough.

The New York Times

Christopher McDermott crewe, Cheshire Stung into health I'm waiting for a genetic breakthrough for wasp stings ("Created by genetic engineering, a mosquito that can't catch malaria," 16 July), to replace the poison in them with an anti-flu virus.

Independent

"We're not waiting for a medical breakthrough -- what we're waiting for here is the political will to save these women's lives". In the U.S., deaths from hemorrhage, sepsis (infection) and abortion (the medical definition of which includes ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and induced abortion) are on the decline, according to the report.

HuffPost

"If we are sitting around waiting for a battery breakthrough that will give us four times the range than we have now, we are going to be waiting for a long time," said Matthew Mench, an engineering professor and energy storage expert at the University of Tennessee.

Los Angeles Times

While we wait for a scientific breakthrough that can finally lift the siege of AIDS, public education remains our best form of protection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waiting for a breakthrough", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific advancement or solution is being anticipated. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for a breakthrough" without specifying the field or area where the breakthrough is expected. Lack of context can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for a breakthrough" functions as a verbal phrase expressing anticipation. It typically describes a state of expectancy concerning a significant advancement or resolution in a particular field or situation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for a breakthrough" is a commonly used expression that accurately describes the state of expecting a significant advancement or solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is seen frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the area in which the breakthrough is anticipated is clearly stated to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives such as "anticipating a major advancement" or "expecting a significant development" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipating a major advancement

Focuses on the anticipation of a significant positive change or development.

expecting a significant development

Emphasizes the expectation of a notable event or unfolding.

awaiting a key discovery

Highlights the act of waiting for a crucial finding or revelation.

looking forward to a resolution

Shifts the focus to a positive outcome or solution to a problem.

in expectation of a major success

Implies confidence in the eventual achievement of a significant goal.

watching for a critical juncture

Highlights a time of decision or significance.

biding time until a turning point

Suggests a more passive approach of waiting for a pivotal moment.

on the lookout for an innovation

Focuses on the active search and expectation of a new and improved method or product.

keeping an eye out for a positive shift

Emphasizes the act of vigilance while expecting a change for the better.

patiently pursuing a remedy

Conveys a continuous and enduring journey towards a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting for a breakthrough" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting for a breakthrough" to express anticipation for a significant development or solution. For instance, "Scientists are "waiting for a breakthrough" in cancer treatment."

What are some alternatives to "waiting for a breakthrough"?

Alternatives include "anticipating a major advancement", "expecting a significant development", or "awaiting a key discovery", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "waiting for a breakthrough" or "waiting for breakthroughs"?

The choice depends on the context. "Waiting for a breakthrough" implies anticipation of a single, specific advancement. "Waiting for breakthroughs" suggests anticipation of multiple advancements or progress in general.

What's the difference between "waiting for a breakthrough" and "hoping for a breakthrough"?

"Waiting for a breakthrough" suggests a more passive stance, while "hoping for a breakthrough" implies a desire or wish for one, often in a situation where the outcome is uncertain.