a major turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change or event that alters the course of a situation or development. Example: "The discovery of penicillin was a major turning point in the field of medicine, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Poltava was a major turning point.

Britannica

A major turning point comes around AD1500.

The Guardian - Books

This is a major turning point.

The Guardian

"That was a major turning point".

The New York Times

For Lee, Modern Family was a major turning point.

The Guardian

And this week marks a major turning point.

The Washington Post

"It's a major turning point for the orchestra moving forward".

The New York Times

The otogizōshi represent a major turning point in the history of Japanese literature.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A reconciliation between these countries could signal a major turning-point for the region.

The Economist

Its experimental construction was therefore a major turning-point in the evolution of stone architecture.

The Guardian

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the deal represented "a major turning-point for Irish democracy".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major turning point", ensure the context clearly establishes what changed and the impact of that change.

Common error

Avoid using "a major turning point" for minor or inconsequential events. Reserve it for moments that truly alter the trajectory of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major turning point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant moment or event that causes a considerable shift or change. Ludwig provides examples in various contexts, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major turning point" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a moment of significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While "a major turning point" is appropriate for formal and informal settings, it's crucial to reserve its usage for events with substantial impact. Alternatives such as "a pivotal moment" and "a watershed moment" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, while maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant turning point

Emphasizes the importance of the moment of change.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the critical nature of the instant of transformation.

a watershed moment

Suggests a clear division between what came before and what comes after.

a game changer

Focuses on the transformative impact of the event.

a critical juncture

Indicates a crucial stage requiring careful consideration.

a decisive shift

Highlights the definiteness and impact of the change.

a sea change

Emphasizes a large-scale, fundamental transformation.

a turning of the tide

Implies a reversal of fortune or trend.

an epoch-making event

Highlights the historical importance and long-lasting impact.

a key development

Highlights the importance of the event for further evolution.

FAQs

How can I use "a major turning point" in a sentence?

Use "a major turning point" to indicate a significant event or moment that leads to a substantial change in a situation, process, or outcome. For example: "The invention of the internet was "a major turning point" in communication history".

What are some alternatives to saying "a major turning point"?

You can use alternatives such as "a pivotal moment", "a watershed moment", or "a game changer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a major turning point" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major turning point" is appropriate for formal writing. It is widely used in academic, journalistic, and business contexts to describe significant shifts and changes.

What's the difference between ""a major turning point"" and "a minor turning point"?

"A major turning point" signifies a substantial and impactful change, while a "minor turning point" indicates a smaller, less significant alteration or adjustment.