a decisive opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important or critical beginning in a context such as a discussion, argument, or event. Example: "The speaker made a decisive opening that captured the audience's attention immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Old Trafford drew an expectant crowd of 72,176 Thursday, but Britain's chances of a decisive opening victory disappeared in the 82nd minute with a defensive breakdown and a chip shot by Senegal's Moussa Konaté.

The New York Times - Sports

Queens came close when Mark Durnan headed over from Ian McShane's corner and, with the game in the balance, it took a moment of rashness just before the interval to provide a decisive opening.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To stop the threatened mate (3.f5#), Black may advance 2... f5, but this allows White to play 3. exf6e.p.# with checkmate due to the decisive opening of the e-file.

Wikipedia

She made a decisive decision.

Huffington Post

OccupyWallStreet has given the church an opening, a decisive moment in history.

Huffington Post

Earlier, replacement Ben Hunt made a decisive intervention after England dominated the opening 40 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

The turf had a decisive role to play in the opening goal with the defender Michael Dawson slipping as he attempted to prevent Piquionne from shooting.

The Guardian - Sport

He won a decisive mandate.

The Economist

"They want a decisive leader".

The New York Times

Brims are a decisive feature.

The New York Times

Is this a decisive argument?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive opening" to emphasize the critical nature of an initial phase or moment that significantly influences subsequent events.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive opening" in situations where the beginning isn't truly pivotal. Reserve it for moments that genuinely determine the course of action or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive opening" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the opening as being of critical importance or significance. It highlights that the start is not merely a beginning but a pivotal moment that determines the subsequent course of events. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Sports

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive opening" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that highlights the critical importance of an initial stage or moment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its role in emphasizing the significance of a beginning that shapes subsequent events. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase finds primary usage in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where the opening is truly pivotal, rather than overusing it in trivial scenarios. Alternatives such as ""a critical start"" or ""a pivotal introduction"" can offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical start

Emphasizes the importance of the beginning for subsequent events.

a pivotal introduction

Highlights that the opening is a turning point or crucial moment.

a game-changing launch

Suggests that the opening has the potential to drastically alter the course of events.

an impactful commencement

Focuses on the strong effect or influence of the opening.

a significant initiation

Underlines the importance and formality of the beginning.

a momentous kick-off

Conveys a sense of historical importance and the start of something big.

a crucial take-off

Highlights the necessity of a good start for a successful outcome.

a defining onset

Indicates that the opening will set the tone and direction for what follows.

a breakthrough inception

Implies that the opening marks a significant advancement or discovery.

a strategic head start

Focuses on the advantage gained from a well-planned and executed beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive opening" to describe a beginning that is crucial to the outcome, as in "The team needed "a decisive opening" to secure their victory."

What are some alternatives to "a decisive opening"?

Alternatives include "a critical start", "a pivotal introduction", or "a game-changing launch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a decisive opening"?

It's appropriate when describing the initial stage of an event, negotiation, or process that significantly influences later stages and outcomes. The opening must genuinely set the tone for everything else to follow.

What's the difference between "a decisive opening" and "a promising start"?

"A decisive opening" suggests a more critical and impactful beginning, whereas "a promising start" simply indicates potential for future success. The former carries more weight and consequence.