a decisive period

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decisive period" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of time during which significant decisions are made or events occur that will have a major effect on the future. For example, "The 1980s were a decisive period in the history of the Middle East, with the Iran-Iraq war and the end of the Cold War playing major roles in reshaping the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Sprüngli was owner and chairman of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli A.G. during a decisive period of growth and expansion.

The New York Times

A source close to the separatist movement said there was a great deal of uncertainty among the rebels about what would happen, but that it was clear a decisive period had begun.

The Guardian

Speaking as EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss issues including Afghanistan, Yemen and Iran, Miliband said: "The combination of a new Afghan government and a new focus of the international military and civilian efforts means that this is going to be a decisive period in the Afghan campaign.

The Guardian

The next six months will also be a decisive period for the negotiations aimed at bringing into the EU most of the countries of East and Central Europe, negotiations which the EU has promised it will try to conclude by the end of next year.

The Economist

This is also a decisive period for employees riding the fence on moving, so it's critical to keep them comfortable.

TechCrunch

This is a decisive period that will determine the success of any graft which is implanted in the body.

Progress in Biomaterials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"If Gibbs is out for four to six weeks, from six it can easily go to eight [before he is competitive again] and that means two months in a very decisive period.

Independent

As difficult as the elections have been, and as critical as they are to the country's future, they are still a prelude to a much tougher, more decisive period awaiting Afghanistan.

Huffington Post

The spending reports revealed the breadth and power of super PACs as the campaign hits a critical and perhaps decisive period, with outside groups poised to pick up a growing share of political spending during the costly primary battle that lies ahead.

The New York Times

It proved the decisive period on a night when Cluj otherwise matched their hosts.

Independent

Now Fred Kaplan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author and columnist at Slate and an occasional contributor to The New York Times, has tried to further whittle down the decisive period to a single year in his new book, "1959: The Year Everything Changed".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive period" when you want to emphasize that the choices made or events happening during a certain time will greatly influence what follows. It is useful in historical analyses, project management, and personal development contexts.

Common error

While "a decisive period" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too often in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using more specific terms or phrases that better capture the nature of the importance of the period you're discussing. For example, instead of saying "the decisive period of the war", try describing the specific events that made that period crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive period" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a specific duration characterized by its influence on future events, outcomes, or directions. The phrase is frequently used to emphasize the importance of the given timeframe.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive period" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase to indicate a time when critical decisions or events greatly influence the future. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers several examples from reputable sources. While not overly common, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and historical analyses. For best use, avoid overuse and consider varying your language for specificity. Remember, this phrase emphasizes the importance and influence of a particular timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical time

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and importance of the period.

a pivotal moment

This phrase highlights a turning point or a moment of significant change.

a crucial phase

This alternative focuses on a stage of development that is essential to the outcome.

a turning point

This option indicates a moment where a significant change in direction occurs.

a significant juncture

This is a more formal way of describing a critical point in time or events.

a watershed moment

Implies a major event that marks a turning point, after which things will never be the same.

a defining era

Suggests a period that shapes and characterizes what follows.

a formative period

Emphasizes the impact the period has on shaping future developments.

a consequential time

Highlights the importance of the period due to its likely results.

a momentous stage

Implies that the period is of great importance or significance.

FAQs

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

Use "a decisive period" to describe a time when crucial decisions or events greatly affect the future, such as, "The early years of the revolution were "a decisive period" for shaping the new nation's identity".

What phrases are similar to "a decisive period"?

Alternatives to "a decisive period" include phrases like "a critical time", "a pivotal moment", or "a crucial phase", which all highlight the importance or turning point of a particular time.

Is it better to say "decisive period" or "critical period"?

Both "decisive period" and "critical period" are correct and usable, however "critical period" often suggests a time of potential crisis or vulnerability, whereas "decisive period" emphasizes the making of important decisions.

Can "a decisive period" apply to personal development?

Yes, "a decisive period" can certainly apply to personal development, referring to a time when choices or experiences significantly shape one's character or future path. For instance, "Her college years were "a decisive period" in her journey towards independence".