a pivotal issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a matter of great importance or significance in a discussion or debate. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a pivotal issue that affects future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

WHICH brings us to a pivotal issue: money.

The New York Times

Throughout the 1960s the struggle for home rule was a pivotal issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He added: "It is a pivotal issue not just about health care.

The New York Times - Health

Gaddafi's future has become a pivotal issue between the regime and the opposition, which has demanded his departure.

The Guardian

In Texas, this is a pivotal issue: if the state does not prove "future dangerousness" beyond a reasonable doubt, it cannot sentence a convict to death.

The New York Times

The discussion in Scotland last week underlines that the threat to the NHS has become a pivotal issue in the independence debate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The rehabilitation time of pavements, a very pivotal issue, can be predicted if the developed model comprises time as an independent factor.

Construction and Building Materials

With energy an increasingly pivotal issue for the Obama White House, a review of Exelon's relationship with the administration shows how familiarity has helped foster access at the upper reaches of government and how, in some cases, the outcome has been favorable for Exelon.

The New York Times

Feature selection is a well-known pivotal issue in machine learning, and indeed the best combination of descriptors was critical in automated cell type classification and varied with the time point and genotype analyzed, mainly because cell type-specific position can vary with the age of the section.

eLife

The national committee is also scheduled to resolve another pivotal issue: whether a recent vote by the executive committee to disqualify Mr. Buchanan from the primary should stand.

The New York Times

That immediate, scathing reaction from Mr. Kerry indicated that he, like the president, thinks that Iraq may be the pivotal issue in a presidential contest that the polls show is tightening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pivotal issue", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the significance and potential impact of the issue being discussed. Provide supporting details or examples to emphasize its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal issue" for minor or insignificant topics. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Reserve it for truly crucial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a subject of critical importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating that it effectively highlights significant matters in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pivotal issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the crucial nature of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts. The phrase is especially common in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting its suitability for conveying significant matters in both formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the emphasis and provide adequate support to underscore its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key concern

Focuses more directly on the aspect of worry or problem that is central.

a crucial point

Highlights the decisiveness and importance of a particular moment or argument.

a central question

Emphasizes the role of the issue as an inquiry or problem that needs answering.

a critical matter

Stresses the severity and urgency of the issue.

a significant factor

Underscores the impact and influence of the issue on a particular outcome.

a decisive element

Points out the role of the issue in determining a result or making a decision.

an essential aspect

Highlights that the issue is a necessary part of the whole.

a fundamental problem

Suggests that the issue is a root cause or underlying difficulty.

a cornerstone principle

Positions the issue as a basic and essential element upon which other things depend.

a lynchpin consideration

Implies that the issue is crucial for holding other elements together.

FAQs

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

Use "a pivotal issue" to highlight a point of critical importance. For example, "Climate change is "a pivotal issue" for global sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a pivotal issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a key concern", "a crucial point", or "a critical matter" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a pivotal issue" or "an important issue"?

"A pivotal issue" suggests a turning point or a factor of decisive importance, while "an important issue" simply indicates something of significance. The best choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey.

What makes an issue "pivotal"?

An issue is "pivotal" when it has the potential to significantly influence outcomes, decisions, or future events. It often represents a critical juncture or a key determinant.