a decisive stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive stage" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe a critical moment or turning point in a process or event. For example: - The negotiation process has reached a decisive stage, with both parties struggling to come to a final agreement. - This election marks a decisive stage in our country's history, as we choose our next leader. - After months of hard work and preparation, the team was ready for the decisive stage of the competition. - Alice's decision to quit her job was a decisive stage in her career, leading her down a new and exciting path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That is bold, but at least the process has reached a decisive stage.

The Economist

Its purchase was a decisive stage in Moore's move from the private to the public arena.

The Guardian - Arts

As John Kerry's Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative moves into a decisive stage, two Jerusalem truths are becoming crystal clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recent developments triggered by the proposal to designate, amongst others, a large part of the Western European Atlantic a PSSA have brought the instrument to a decisive stage.

Marine Policy

FLORENCE — In 2002 Giacomo Costa's experiments with digital photography reached a decisive stage: "I realized that I no longer needed to photograph the world; I could invent it.

The New York Times - Arts

The battle for Carbide moved into it what appeared to be a decisive stage on New Year's Day when Samuel J. Heyman, chairman of GAF, sent a letter late in the evening to Mr. Anderson through Morgan Stanley.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Local Coordination Committees, as they call themselves, have become the wild cards in what is shaping up as a potentially decisive stage in Syria, with some protests spreading Thursday to Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, and the government tentatively reaching out to the opposition next week.

The New York Times

Saturday was an example of the perfect storm for a breakaway win, especially coming immediately after Friday's thrilling day of racing against crosswinds that had blown the peloton apart, and ahead of a potentially decisive stage in the shape of Sunday's mountain-top finish at Mont Ventoux.

BBC

Likewise, a snap election in Japan, called by prime minister Shinzo Abe during the week, could illustrate panic in the world's third-largest economy after two decades of stagnation, or be a sensible way to prepare the ground for a second and decisive stage of his Abenomics.

The Guardian - Business

We have reached a new and decisive stage in our civilisation's ongoing quest to cannibalise itself, with the announcement this week that there is such a thing in production as "a Great Gatsby origin story".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was therefore inevitable that someone would try and open up a middle way on Europe, though perhaps less so that the pioneer should be David Owen, whose career, for a middle-way politician, revealed at every decisive stage an incapacity for compromise which eventually was destroyed by it.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive stage" to emphasize a moment where outcomes or future directions are significantly influenced. This phrase adds weight to the importance of that particular point in time or process.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive stage" for minor or insignificant events. Ensure the stage truly has a significant impact on the overall outcome or process to justify the use of this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive stage" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific phase characterized by its critical influence on the subsequent development of events. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive stage" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to highlight a moment of critical importance in a process or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. While not overly common, it is found frequently in journalistic and academic contexts. Consider related phrases like ""a critical juncture"" or ""a turning point"" for stylistic variation. When writing, remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the stage truly holds significant influence over the final outcome. Its communicative function lies in drawing attention to a phase where actions and decisions have substantial consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical juncture

Replaces "stage" with "juncture", emphasizing a point of joining or intersection, implying a significant moment of change.

a turning point

Replaces "decisive stage" with a more general term for a moment when a significant change occurs.

a pivotal moment

Substitutes "decisive stage" with "pivotal moment", highlighting the importance of the moment in potentially changing the direction of events.

a crucial phase

Uses "crucial phase" instead of "decisive stage", stressing the importance and criticality of the period.

a key milestone

Emphasizes the achievement aspect of the stage, positioning it as a significant marker of progress.

a watershed moment

Suggests a significant event that marks a clear division or change in direction, similar to a turning point.

a landmark event

Highlights the significance and memorability of the stage, indicating a notable occurrence.

a game-changing point

Focuses on the transformative impact of the stage, implying it alters the dynamics of the situation.

a defining moment

Highlights how this stage contributes significantly to defining character or outcome.

a momentous occasion

Implies that the stage is particularly important and memorable, often associated with significant events.

FAQs

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

Use "a decisive stage" to highlight a point in a process or event where a critical decision or outcome is determined. For example, "The project entered "a decisive stage" when the board approved the final budget".

What are some alternatives to "a decisive stage" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a turning point", "a critical juncture", or "a pivotal moment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "a decisive stage" and "a critical stage"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "a decisive stage" implies that the outcome or direction is being determined at that point, whereas "a critical stage" suggests a point of high importance or potential instability.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a decisive stage"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where significant decisions, actions, or events are taking place that will have a lasting impact, such as in business negotiations, political campaigns, or scientific experiments.