a pivotal position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or situation that is crucial or of great importance in a particular context. Example: "In the organization, she held a pivotal position that influenced the direction of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These different roles place you in a pivotal position to promote a culture of respect.

University of California, Berkeley

Torre admitted that he never expected Gooden to be in a pivotal position.

The New York Times - Sports

Teixeira dives, he scrambles, he scoops and he plays a pivotal position impeccably.

The New York Times - Sports

That puts them in a pivotal position to determine how derivatives are traded.

The New York Times

Banks occupy a pivotal position in the short-term and intermediate-term money markets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sod that!" Affairs of the head and heart The Real Thing occupies a pivotal position in Stoppard's output.

The Guardian

That may or may not explain what the Giants (0-5) have been experiencing at a pivotal position.

The New York Times - Sports

Occupying a pivotal position in postwar thought, Noam Chomsky is both the founder of modern linguistics and the world's most prominent political dissident.

Yale University

By 1945 Mr. Ishihara had risen to director of Nissan's accounting department, a pivotal position at a time the company was struggling to pay its bills.

The New York Times

Moving to fill a pivotal position in the Bush foreign policy team, the Senate confirmed John D. Negroponte today as the United States ambassador to the United Nations.

The New York Times

The treatment of indigenous populations and the practical necessity for expansion was explained by the notion that America stood in a pivotal position in human history.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pivotal position", ensure the context clearly establishes why the position is crucial. Providing specific examples or elaborating on the influence exerted from that position can strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal position" when the role or situation's importance is minimal or secondary. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal position" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes a state or role characterized by significant influence, importance, or decisiveness. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pivotal position" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a role, location, or entity of critical importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When incorporating the phrase into your writing, ensure the context adequately explains the significance of the position to enhance clarity and impact. While synonymous alternatives like "a central role" or "a crucial point" exist, "a pivotal position" carries a distinctive emphasis on being a turning point or essential factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A central role

Emphasizes the importance of being at the center of something.

A cornerstone role

Implies that the role is essential and foundational to something larger.

A crucial point

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the moment.

A vital part

Stresses the necessity and indispensability of the element.

A key spot

Highlights the importance of the location or area.

A critical juncture

Indicates a crucial point in time or a turning point.

An essential place

Underscores the importance and necessity of being in that place.

A strategic location

Highlights the importance and the planning that went into choosing the specific spot.

A fundamental aspect

Highlights the basic, foundational importance of something.

A commanding presence

Focuses on the power and control exerted from a particular position.

FAQs

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

Use "a pivotal position" to describe someone or something that holds significant influence or importance within a specific context. For example: "The CEO held "a pivotal position" in shaping the company's future."

What are some alternatives to using "a pivotal position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a central role", "a crucial point", or "a vital part" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the pivotal position" instead of "a pivotal position"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "a pivotal position" is generally used when referring to a position that is pivotal among others. "The pivotal position" implies there is only one such position in the context.

What makes "a pivotal position" different from "an important position"?

"A pivotal position" suggests that the role is not only important but also essential for change, progress, or success. "An important position" simply indicates high value or significance without necessarily implying a turning point.