a decisive time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a critical moment or period when important decisions are made or significant changes occur. Example: "The negotiations reached a turning point, marking a decisive time in the history of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's a decisive time," he said.

The New York Times

"The period immediately after World War II was like the nation's infancy, a decisive time for Japanese society.

The New York Times - Books

UNICEF's partnership with the Government, in promoting and supporting the implementation of public policies while advocating for higher commitment for the social sectors, is getting stronger by the day and as a result the children of Angola are benefiting.' 'Nonetheless,' continued Ferrari, 'this remains a decisive time in Angola with much to do.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She had spent most of the match trying to keep pace with Hantuchova, however, and the pressure ultimately told when the Briton was broken for a fifth and decisive time.

BBC

By the end of the first set each had served the same number of double faults and aces, taken the same number of breaks and amassed the exact total of points but it was Watson who struck at the decisive time as a driving Babos forehand drifted out to give the Briton a one-set lead.

Independent

In December 1917 he broke with Felice for the second and decisive time.

The Guardian - Books

BLUFF FACT > "In the decisive time trial at the end of the 1989 Tour de France, Greg LeMond used aero bars and an aero helmet.

The Guardian - Sport

"Steve brings with him the additional football knowledge and experience the club needs at this decisive time," Masters continued.

BBC

This study was performed in a routine clinical setting, therefore, we took initiation of TNF-blocker as the standardized therapeutic intervention and ≥2 months thereafter as the decisive time point to assess efficacy.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

"The last few hours have proven without a doubt that the country is going through a decisive and critical time and the level of tension in some regions is rising to unprecedented levels," the statement said.

The New York Times

The 30-year-old said he did not cheat to win a decisive injury-time penalty but told Dutch TV: "In the first half I took a dive".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a decisive time", ensure the context clearly indicates what decisions or changes are being made and why they are significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive time" as a vague placeholder. Instead, specify what makes the time decisive and for whom. For instance, instead of "It was a decisive time", try "It was a decisive time for the company's future, as we finalized the merger agreement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive time" functions as a noun phrase within a sentence. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, modifying or elaborating on a noun, such as "era", "period", or "phase". Ludwig AI confirms this with examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decisive time" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the significance of a specific period. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while relatively rare, it is found across various contexts, including news, business, and science. To maximize clarity, it's essential to specify what makes the time decisive and for whom. Consider alternatives such as "a pivotal moment" or "a critical juncture" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid vagueness and ensure the context clearly reflects the importance of the time being described. Based on the available data, the phrase carries a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical juncture

Replaces "time" with "juncture", emphasizing the meeting point of events.

a pivotal moment

Substitutes "decisive" with "pivotal" and "time" with "moment", highlighting a turning point.

a turning point

Emphasizes the shift or change happening at this time.

a crucial period

Replaces "decisive" with "crucial" and "time" with "period", suggesting a phase of great importance.

a significant phase

Focuses on the importance and stage of the event.

a watershed moment

Indicates a time that marks a division, after which things will be different.

a defining moment

Highlights that the moment will shape future events.

a key phase

Highlights importance of the moment, as "key" means crucial.

an important juncture

Suggests a specific point or stage that is significant.

a strategic moment

Emphasizes the tactical aspect of the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive time" to describe a point when important decisions are made or significant changes occur. For example, "The election marked "a decisive time" in the country's history".

What's a good alternative to "a decisive time"?

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

Is it better to say "a decisive moment" or "a decisive time"?

Both "a decisive moment" and "a decisive time" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A decisive moment" implies a specific point, while "a decisive time" suggests a period. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

What makes a time "decisive"?

A "decisive time" is marked by events or choices that significantly influence the future. Key characteristics include high stakes, potential for significant change, and the need for critical decision-making.