Watershed event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Watershed event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant turning point or moment that marks a change in a situation or development. Example: "The signing of the peace treaty was a watershed event in the history of the region, leading to years of stability and cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mass transit ridership increased last weekend, but only 10 to 15 percent - hardly a watershed event.

The New York Times

Andrew Gitkin, an analyst at UBS Warburg, called the deal a "watershed event" for Isis of Carlsbad, Calif.

The New York Times

President Obama called the announcement a "watershed event".

Huffington Post

"We're seeing a watershed event".

The New York Times

This was a watershed event.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a watershed event.

The New York Times

President Obama hailed the announcement as "a watershed event".

The New York Times

"Being able to return here -- it's a watershed event".

The New York Times

These elections were a watershed event for India.

The New York Times

"Standardizing administrative transactions," AHIP asserted, "will be a watershed event".

The New York Times

The Khashoggi affair has been a watershed event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watershed event" to emphasize a clear and significant turning point that has long-lasting consequences. It is particularly effective when describing events that alter the course of history, business, or personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "watershed event" to describe minor incidents or changes that lack significant impact. This dilutes the phrase's power and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watershed event" functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe another noun. Ludwig AI examples show it frequently modifies terms like "moment", "decision", or "election", emphasizing their significance. It acts as a descriptor that elevates the importance of the event in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "watershed event" denotes a significant turning point with lasting consequences, often used to describe moments that reshape history, business, or personal development. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It functions as a noun phrase and its primary purpose is to emphasize profound impact. Its usage spans from news and media to academia and formal business settings, but it is more common in formal registers. To avoid overuse, reserve this phrase for truly transformative events, and consider alternatives like "turning point" or "pivotal moment" for similar but less emphatic meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Turning point

This alternative is more general, referring to any moment of significant change.

Pivotal moment

This alternative highlights the critical importance of the event.

Game changer

This alternative emphasizes the disruptive and transformative nature of the event.

Landmark decision

This alternative focuses on decisions that set a new precedent or standard.

Sea change

This alternative suggests a broad and fundamental shift.

Critical juncture

This alternative highlights the decisive nature of the moment.

Defining moment

This alternative emphasizes the role of the event in shaping future events.

Historic turning point

This alternative specifies the significance of the event in a historical context.

Revolutionary development

This alternative points to drastic changes introduced by the event.

Paradigm shift

This alternative implies a fundamental change in underlying assumptions or frameworks.

FAQs

How can I use "watershed event" in a sentence?

Use "watershed event" to describe a turning point with significant and lasting consequences. For example, "The invention of the internet was a watershed event in communication history."

What can I say instead of "watershed event"?

You can use alternatives like "turning point", "pivotal moment", or "game changer" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "watershed event" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, using "watershed event" in informal writing may sound overly dramatic. Consider simpler alternatives like "big change" or "major turning point" for informal settings.

What distinguishes a "watershed event" from a regular event?

A "watershed event" signifies a major shift that fundamentally alters the course of future events, whereas a regular event may be significant but lacks the same level of transformative impact. It marks a before-and-after scenario.