a dramatic turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dramatic turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change in a situation, story, or event that evokes strong emotions or reactions. Example: "The plot took a dramatic turn when the protagonist discovered the truth about their past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year ago, the government announced a dramatic turn in its energy policy, vowing to make the densely populated nation nuclear-free by the 2030s.

Los Angeles Times

It's been a dramatic turn of events".

The New York Times - Sports

The trial had already taken a dramatic turn.

The New Yorker

This crisis coincided with a dramatic turn to the right.

The New Yorker

But the plot can always take a dramatic turn.

The Economist

At this point, however, Galileo's career took a dramatic turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Jason has taken a dramatic turn for the worse".

The New York Times - Health

Within a few days, the evolution of the bacteria took a dramatic turn.

The New York Times - Science

In general these decisions traced a dramatic turn to the right.

The New Yorker

Europe's relations with Belarus took a dramatic turn for the worse this week.

The New York Times

On 23 October 2002, when he was 16 years old, Lee's life took a dramatic turn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dramatic turn" to highlight unexpected and significant changes in a narrative or situation. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is changing and why the turn is considered dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic turn" when describing minor or insignificant changes. This can weaken the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely pivotal moments.

Linguistic Context

A dramatic turn primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a significant change or shift in a situation, narrative, or event, frequently implying an element of surprise or intensity. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its diverse application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A dramatic turn is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant and often unexpected change in events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the change is genuinely noteworthy to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases like "a significant shift" or "a turning point" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Remember to reserve "a dramatic turn" for moments that genuinely alter the narrative or situation in a substantial way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant shift

Focuses on the importance of the change.

a sudden change

Emphasizes the abrupt nature of the turn.

a marked alteration

Highlights the noticeable difference after the change.

a major development

Stresses the importance of the event.

a complete reversal

Indicates a change to the opposite direction.

a radical departure

Implies a significant deviation from the norm.

a turning point

Highlights the critical nature of the change as a decision point.

a sea change

Suggests a broad and fundamental transformation.

a new direction

Focuses on the change as a shift in orientation.

an unexpected twist

Emphasizes the surprise element of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "a dramatic turn" in a sentence?

Use "a dramatic turn" to describe a significant and unexpected change in a situation or narrative. For example, "The investigation took "a dramatic turn" when new evidence surfaced".

What can I say instead of "a dramatic turn"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant shift", "a sudden change", or "a turning point" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a dramatic turn" in formal writing?

Yes, "a dramatic turn" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant events or changes. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoid overly sensationalizing the event.

What makes a turn of events "dramatic"?

A "dramatic" turn usually involves unexpected, significant, and often emotionally charged changes that alter the course of events in a substantial way. It implies a shift that evokes strong reactions or consequences.