a decisive point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a critical moment or factor that determines the outcome of a situation or decision. Example: "The negotiations reached a decisive point when both parties agreed to the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"We are at a decisive point in time," he said.

The Guardian

This was a decisive point in British Indian history.

Britannica

"We have reached a decisive point," he said.

The Guardian

Sept. 11 brought many matters to a decisive point at the firm.

The New York Times

Only in retrospect can any given strike, battle or maneuver be seen as a decisive point.

The New York Times

On the burning issue of Iran and nuclear weapons he issued a stark warning: "We have reached a decisive point.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We're at a rather decisive point where we either move onto substantive negotiations or back to more years of fruitless discussion," Mr. McCarthy said.

The New York Times

23 boys aged 16-21 have gathered to learn more about the technical aspects of filmmaking and to share their own stories, personal accounts of young people at a very decisive point in their lives.

Unicef

If Augustus began as a warlord, he ended by establishing a dynasty, but the decisive point toward continuing a tyrannical dynasty was Tiberius' accession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Champions League exit was a genuine, perhaps decisive point of failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Moore then pivots to his decisive point, a masterstroke of political psychology that he extracts from a sharp history lesson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly explains why the point is decisive. Providing supporting details will enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive point" for trivial matters. Overusing it dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely significant moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive point" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific moment or factor that is critical in determining an outcome or influencing a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive point" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize a critical moment or factor influencing an outcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, it finds frequent application across various domains like news, business, and academia. To ensure effective use, reserve it for genuinely significant moments and clearly explain the context. Alternatives include "a turning point" or "a critical juncture". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can enhance your writing with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a turning point

Focuses on the shift or change that occurs.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and sensitivity of the moment.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the significance of the instant in influencing future events.

a crucial stage

Suggests a critical phase in a process or development.

a game changer

Indicates something that fundamentally alters the course of events.

a watershed moment

Implies a significant event marking a turning point in history or development.

a moment of truth

Highlights a moment when a decision or outcome is revealed.

a crossroads

Implies a point where a choice must be made, leading to different paths.

a make-or-break situation

Emphasizes the high stakes and potential consequences.

a key milestone

Highlights a significant achievement or event in a project or process.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a decisive point" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a decisive point", ensure the context clearly illustrates why that particular moment or factor is critical to the outcome. Provide specific details that highlight its significance.

What are some alternatives to "a decisive point"?

You can use alternatives like "a turning point", "a critical juncture", or "a pivotal moment" depending on the context.

Is "a decisive point" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a decisive point" is suitable for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to emphasize crucial moments or factors.

What makes "a decisive point" different from "an important moment"?

"A decisive point" implies that the moment directly influences or determines the outcome, whereas "an important moment" simply signifies something of significance without necessarily being outcome-determinative.