a drastic turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"a drastic turn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an event, action, or situation that has taken a sudden and/or dramatic change. For example, "The economy took a drastic turn after the pandemic started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The foreclosure process is a drastic turn for the Savoy Hotel, which started with high aspirations.

The New York Times

"But unless Isidore takes a drastic turn, we'll be looking at an evacuation".

The New York Times

Referred by word of mouth, his work took a drastic turn when dancers started flocking to his office.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added, "When your season has had such a drastic turn like ours has, it still gives us some energy to go out and play with".

The New York Times - Sports

| Manhattan Theatre Club premières Liz Flahive's "The Madrid," about a kindergarten teacher whose life takes a drastic turn, starring Edie Falco.

The New Yorker

He added, "When your season has had such a drastic turn like ours has, it still give us some energy to go out and play with".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This image is from a body of work that encapsulates a drastic turning point.

The New York Times

Furthermore, induction of gametogenesis following gametocyte activation results on the one hand in the destruction of the gametocyte IMC and relocation of cytoskeletal proteins [ 7, 33, 34, 72, 73], on the other hand in a drastic turn-over of surface proteins (reviewed in [ 6]).

BMC Genomics

"I just know that things have taken a very drastic turn for the worse," said Ms. Gui, who has led a campaign to win her father's freedom.

The New York Times

MM: As far as the song goes, that song took a pretty drastic turn.

Huffington Post

But then things take a drastic wrong turn, and the play never recovers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drastic turn" to emphasize a sudden and significant change in a situation, plan, or person's life. Ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and extent of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "a drastic turn" when a simpler, less dramatic phrase would suffice. Overusing such language can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drastic turn" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. It signifies a sudden and significant change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a drastic turn" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant and often sudden change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, denoting notable shifts in various situations. When writing, use this phrase to highlight substantial alterations, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Remember that there are many alternatives to this phrase such as "a sharp reversal" or "a radical shift" that you can employ for a more nuanced text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp reversal

Emphasizes a sudden and complete change of direction or policy.

a radical shift

Highlights a fundamental change in the nature of something.

a complete turnaround

Focuses on a situation that has gone from negative to positive, or vice versa.

a sea change

Implies a major transformation of attitudes, opinions, or conditions.

a watershed moment

Highlights a turning point after which things will never be the same.

a pivotal juncture

Suggests a critical point that determines the future course of events.

a game changer

Highlights something that fundamentally alters the outcome or strategy.

a quantum leap

Emphasizes a significant advancement or improvement.

a paradigm shift

Focuses on a change in the basic assumptions, concepts, and values of a community.

a transformational event

Highlights an event that causes a significant and lasting change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a drastic turn" to describe a sudden and significant change in a situation. For example, "The company's fortunes took "a drastic turn" after the new CEO took over".

What are some alternatives to "a drastic turn"?

Some alternatives to "a drastic turn" include "a sharp reversal", "a radical shift", or "a complete turnaround". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a drastic turn" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the magnitude of a change. However, ensure that the tone of your writing remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "a drastic turn" and "a minor adjustment"?

"A drastic turn" implies a significant and often unexpected change, whereas "a minor adjustment" suggests a small and incremental modification. The former is used for substantial alterations, while the latter is for fine-tuning.