a decisive development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important or critical change or event that significantly influences a situation or outcome. Example: "The signing of the peace treaty was a decisive development in the resolution of the long-standing conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Far from undermining the UN talks process, this bottom-up approach has been a decisive development catalysing the prospect of a new comprehensive global deal in Paris.

The Guardian - Opinion

Far from undermining the UN talks process, this 'bottom-up approach' has been a decisive development catalysing the new deal in Paris.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The macabre revelation may be the most decisive development in a case that has traumatised the country and battered the credibility of President Enrique Peña Nieto. However it was based on the testimony of three detainees, who allegedly said they had taken part in the disposal of the bodies.

The Economist

Massive use of US and Russian air power is the decisive development in the war since the summer of 2014.

Independent

The decisive development took place in 1869, when Monet and Renoir painted together at the resort of La Grenouillère on the Seine River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obviously, in classical modernization theory on family, the level of economic development is a decisive factor in the development of patterns of intergenerational relations.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

As one of the decisive developments in western history, Roman expansion has invited continual reinterpretation by historians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the decisive developments in the western philosophical tradition was the eventually widespread merging of the Greek philosophical tradition and the Judeo-Christian religious and scriptural traditions.

SEP

Probably the most-decisive development was the recall of Yuan Shikai Yüan Shih-k'ai Shih-k'aichithet of the elite Beiyarchitect tofgovernmentheelitee to suppress the reBeiyang when its seriousness becArmyapparento

Encyclopedia Britannica

The measurement of the phototoxic effect, of the pharmacodynamics, and the threshold of response on real physiological systems is a decisive factor for the development of future protocols for PDT and is essential in the early phase of development of new PSs.

British Journal of Cancer

Elevated HIF-1 α level is associated with the development of multiple neoplasms in Von Hippel Lindu (VHL) disease and poor patient survival in breast cancer, signifying a decisive role in cancer development (Maxwell et al, 1999).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive development" to highlight a turning point or a key factor that significantly changes the course of events. Ensure the context clearly demonstrates the impact of the development.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive development" for minor changes or events. Reserve it for situations where the impact is truly significant and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive development" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a significant and impactful change or event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive development" is a noun phrase used to highlight significant events or changes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, suggesting its function is to emphasize the crucial role of a specific event in influencing subsequent outcomes. The phrase is most frequently found in news media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While its usage is relatively rare, the phrase is well-suited for formal writing when highlighting significant and transformative impacts. Related phrases include "a turning point" and "a game changer". Therefore, reserve the term for situations with truly significant and transformative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a turning point

This alternative emphasizes the idea of a significant change in direction or outcome.

a game changer

This suggests a development that dramatically alters the existing situation or strategy.

a key milestone

This highlights the achievement of a significant stage in a process or project.

a breakthrough

This emphasizes a significant advancement or discovery that overcomes a previous obstacle.

a critical juncture

This suggests a point in time where a crucial decision or event will determine future outcomes.

a significant event

This is a more general term indicating an important occurrence.

an influential factor

Focuses on the impact a decisive development makes in the current context.

a fundamental shift

Focuses on the nature of a major change that "a decisive development" causes.

a momentous occasion

This stresses the importance and historical significance of the development.

a pivotal moment

Implies that what follows the decisive development will depend heavily on it.

FAQs

How can I use "a decisive development" in a sentence?

Use "a decisive development" to describe a key event or change that significantly alters the course of events, such as, "The new policy was a decisive development in improving the company's efficiency".

What can I say instead of "a decisive development"?

You can use alternatives like "a turning point", "a game changer", or "a key milestone" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a decisive development" in formal writing?

Yes, "a decisive development" is suitable for formal writing when describing a significant and impactful change. However, ensure the context warrants the strength of the phrase.

What makes a development "decisive"?

A development is "decisive" when it has a clear and significant impact on the outcome or future direction of a situation, resolving uncertainty or setting a new course.