a dramatic turn of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dramatic turn of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or unexpected change in a situation, event, or narrative. Example: "The story took a dramatic turn of events when the protagonist discovered the truth about their past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's been a dramatic turn of events".

The New York Times - Sports

Barring a dramatic turn of events Labour will reselect Ken Livingstone.

The Guardian

Few people in this country, however, expect such a dramatic turn of events.

The New York Times

"Such a dramatic turn of events comes as a surprise," said analysts at Sberbank.

The Guardian

That European leaders are finally recognizing the urgent need to act may in itself be a dramatic turn of events.

The New York Times

But unless there's a dramatic turn of events, U.S. government-funded R&D is poised for years of stagnation.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

His indictment would represent a dramatic turn for a member of the country's most elite legal circles.

The Washington Post

Craig's indictment represents a dramatic turn for a member of the country's most elite legal circles.

The Washington Post

The court took a dramatic turn in favor of plaintiffs in 2014 when, at the behest of Weitz & Luxenberg, then-presiding Judge Sherry Sherry Klein Heitler reinstated punitive damages after a 16-year hiatus.

Forbes

With inventory hitting new lows, the housing market in New York City has taken a dramatic turn in favor of sellers.

The New York Times

In the yellow zones, the game takes quite a dramatic turn in terms of how you play it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dramatic turn of" to effectively highlight pivotal moments or unexpected shifts in a narrative or situation to capture the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic turn of" for minor or insignificant changes; reserve it for events that genuinely warrant a heightened sense of surprise or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dramatic turn of" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier. It often introduces a clause or phrase that describes a significant change or unexpected development within a narrative or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dramatic turn of" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that effectively highlights significant and unexpected shifts in events, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, its function is to emphasize pivotal moments and engage readers. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a heightened sense of drama to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "an unexpected shift" or "a sudden reversal" offer nuanced options for different contexts. By understanding its function and using it judiciously, writers can effectively convey suspense and capture the reader's attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected shift

Highlights the surprise element of the change.

a sudden reversal

Emphasizes the change going in the opposite direction.

a marked transformation

Focuses on the thoroughness and visibility of the change.

a significant alteration

Indicates the importance and impact of the change.

a surprising twist

Highlights an element of intrigue or plot development.

a major development

Stresses the scale and progression implied by the change.

an unforeseen event

Emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the change.

a critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the change.

a rapid evolution

Indicates a fast-paced and unfolding change.

a decisive pivot

Highlights the pivotal and consequential nature of the change.

FAQs

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

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

What are some alternatives to "a dramatic turn of"?

You can use alternatives such as "an unexpected shift", "a sudden reversal", or "a significant alteration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context and choose the alternative that best fits.

Which is correct: "a dramatic turn of events" or "a dramatic turning of events"?

"A dramatic turn of events" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. While "a dramatic turning of events" is grammatically possible, it is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "a dramatic turn of events" and "an unexpected development"?

"A dramatic turn of events" implies a sudden and often surprising change with significant impact, whereas "an unexpected development" simply indicates something unforeseen has occurred, without necessarily implying a dramatic shift.