A turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change or event that marks a decisive moment in a situation or process. Example: "The discovery of penicillin was a turning point in the field of medicine, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

:A turning point, or business as usual?

BBC

A turning point.

The New Yorker

A turning point came unexpectedly.

The Guardian - Opinion

A turning point for the Gunners?

BBC

A turning point came on 2 November.

Wikipedia

Is it a turning point?

The Economist

Was it a turning point?

The New Yorker

It was a turning point for me.

The New York Times

It was a turning point for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a turning point," he said.

The New York Times

This is a turning point for California.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A turning point" to emphasize a moment where a significant shift or change occurs, influencing subsequent events or decisions. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and why this point is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "A turning point" for minor or insignificant changes. Reserve it for situations where the shift has a considerable impact or alters the course of events substantially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A turning point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant moment of change or decision. It highlights a crucial juncture that alters the trajectory of events. Ludwig provides examples where it marks critical shifts in various contexts, such as political events or personal experiences. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A turning point" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant moment of change. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in a variety of contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, but can also appear in Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that it reflects a genuinely significant shift rather than a trivial change, and consider using alternatives like "a pivotal moment" or "a watershed moment" for nuanced meaning. Always make sure that the context clearly explains what has changed and why.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A pivotal moment

Focuses on the importance of the moment as a central point.

A watershed moment

Implies a clear division or shift after the event.

A critical juncture

Emphasizes the decisiveness and importance of the timing.

A game changer

Highlights the transformative impact on the situation.

A significant milestone

Stresses the achievement aspect of the change.

A decisive moment

Focuses on the finality and impact of the decision made.

A transformative event

Highlights the capacity to cause a major shift in form or nature.

A moment of truth

Indicates a critical time when a decision must be made or a realization occurs.

An inflection point

Emphasizes a change in the rate of increase or decrease.

A point of no return

Suggests that after this moment, things cannot go back to the way they were.

FAQs

How can I use "A turning point" in a sentence?

"A turning point" is used to describe a significant moment when an important change happens. For example, "The invention of the printing press was "a turning point" in the history of communication".

What are some alternatives to "A turning point"?

You can use alternatives like "a pivotal moment", "a watershed moment", or "a critical juncture" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "A turning point" in formal writing?

Yes, "A turning point" is suitable for formal writing as it accurately describes a significant shift. However, consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register. For example, in academic writing it would be preferable to use the more formal equivalent "an inflection point".

What's the difference between "A turning point" and "A milestone"?

"A milestone" generally refers to a significant achievement or progress marker, whereas "A turning point" indicates a moment of change that alters the course of events. Using the term "a significant milestone" indicates a meaningful step forward, while using the term "a turning point" highlights a change in direction.