a pivotal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is of crucial importance or central to a situation or event. Example: "The discovery of the new vaccine was a pivotal moment in the fight against the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a pivotal area".

The New York Times

It is a pivotal opportunity.

The New York Times

Previously: "A Pivotal Italian Aria".

The New Yorker

That is a pivotal advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a pivotal point".

The New Yorker

It was a pivotal event.

The Economist

It's a pivotal moment.

The Guardian - Books

1980: A pivotal year.

The Guardian - Business

A pivotal miss?

The Guardian - Sport

It is a pivotal and divisive claim.

The New York Times

It was a pivotal moment for you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pivotal" to emphasize the significance of a moment, decision, or factor in a narrative or argument. Ensure the context clearly establishes why it's a turning point or crucial element.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal" merely as a generic descriptor for importance. Substantiate its use by explicitly stating why the element is a turning point or has significant consequences. Do not overuse it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier. It precedes a noun to emphasize its crucial or decisive nature. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it describing moments, events, and roles as significantly important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pivotal" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival phrase that indicates something is of critical importance or acts as a turning point. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently employed in news and media, academia, and science to emphasize the significance of particular moments, events, or decisions. While appropriate in most contexts, writers should ensure its usage is justified and not merely a generic descriptor. Consider synonyms like "a crucial" or "a key" to avoid overuse and maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial

Focuses on the decisiveness and critical nature of the point, emphasizing the potential for significant impact.

a decisive

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the moment, suggesting that it determines the outcome.

a critical

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the situation.

a key

Implies that the point is essential for understanding or achieving something.

a turning point

Specifically denotes a moment where a significant change occurs.

a watershed

Suggests a major event that marks a new direction or era.

a cornerstone

Implies the point is fundamental and essential for building upon.

a lynchpin

Suggests the point is vital for holding things together or enabling function.

a game changer

Indicates the point significantly alters the existing circumstances or strategy.

a significant

Highlights the importance and noteworthiness of the moment or event.

FAQs

How can I use "a pivotal" in a sentence?

Use "a pivotal" to describe a moment, event, or decision that is critically important in determining the outcome of something. For example, "The election was "a pivotal" moment in the country's history".

What can I say instead of "a pivotal"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial", "a critical", or "a decisive" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a pivotal" and "a critical"?

"A pivotal" generally suggests a turning point that influences future events, while "a critical" emphasizes the importance and potential danger or consequences of a situation.

Is it always appropriate to use "a pivotal"?

While generally appropriate, ensure the context genuinely warrants emphasizing a turning point or element of central importance. Overuse can diminish its impact; consider synonyms like "a crucial" or "a key" for variety.