a decisive moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decisive moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a brief moment or period of time when a significant decision is made or significant event occurs. For example, "The election was a decisive moment for the country as it signaled a new era of political change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A decisive moment approaches.

The Guardian

Our struggle has reached a decisive moment.

Independent

"This is a decisive moment," he says.

The Guardian

Fortunately it was not a decisive moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Historians consider it a decisive moment.

The New York Times

But it was a decisive moment.

The Guardian

The nation has reached a decisive moment.

The New Yorker

It is also a decisive moment for the region.

The New York Times

The ECB may reach a decisive moment sooner.

The Economist

It is, potentially, a decisive moment for India.

The Economist

Ms. Soberats does not rely on capturing a decisive moment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decisive moment", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the event or decision being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive moment" when the impact of the moment is unclear or not truly significant, as this can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive moment" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific point in time characterized by its crucial or determining nature, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive moment" is a noun phrase widely used to denote a critical juncture or turning point with lasting consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, academic, and formal business contexts. When using "a decisive moment", ensure the context supports the significance of the moment and avoid overstating its decisiveness. Alternative phrases such as "a pivotal juncture" or "a turning point" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase’s frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its importance in conveying critical points in various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining instant

Emphasizes the importance of the instant in shaping future events or outcomes.

a turning point

A more concise way of saying "a decisive moment", emphasizing the shift or change that occurs.

a critical juncture

Uses "critical" in place of "decisive", highlighting the importance and potential consequences.

a pivotal juncture

Replaces "moment" with "juncture" and "decisive" with "pivotal", focusing on the turning point aspect.

a watershed event

This phrase indicates a significant event that marks a turning point or a major change.

a moment of truth

Implies a moment where reality is revealed, and a crucial decision needs to be made.

a crucial period

Expands the "moment" to a "period", suggesting a span of time that is critical.

a game-changing instant

Uses more informal language to convey the idea of a moment that dramatically alters the situation.

a climactic episode

Suggests a high point of tension and decision-making in a series of events.

a fateful occasion

Highlights the significant and potentially life-altering nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive moment" to highlight a turning point or critical juncture. For example, "The election was "a decisive moment" for the country's future".

What are some alternatives to "a decisive moment"?

Alternatives include "a pivotal juncture", "a turning point", or "a critical juncture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a decisive moment" formal or informal?

"A decisive moment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's most impactful when used to describe truly significant events.

What makes a moment "decisive"?

A moment is "decisive" when it leads to a significant change, outcome, or realization that alters the course of events or understanding. It's a point where a clear and important determination is made.