a pivotal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is crucial or of great importance in a particular context or situation. Example: "The discovery of the new treatment was a pivotal thing in the fight against the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a pivotal thing," Flowers said of the ruling. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And that's this woman talking us through the devastation of her home, which is burnt in a fire and becomes this pivotal thing.

Huffington Post

The most pivotal thing that could happen between now and Election Day is beyond the control of either presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Three days after he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, Mr. Kerry, along with President Bush, received a bracing reminder about how the fear of another terrorist attack on American soil had shaped the contest and about how the most pivotal thing that could happen between now and Election Day was beyond the control of either campaign.

The New York Times

"It is my sense that it is a pivotal time in this thing," Mr. Brewster said.

The New York Times

But how did two white dudes in glasses become such a pivotal part of the most exciting thing to happen to British music since Rampling and the boys got spangled in Ibiza back in 1987?

Vice

ServiceSource said that recurring revenue will play a "pivotal role" into the Internet of Things as more people start using smart devices and cloud-based services.

TechCrunch

"This thing about sharks playing a pivotal role in our ocean ecosystem is not just gobbledygook.

The New York Times

That last thing, he says, was a pivotal psychological component because "it implies that the state is interested in a long-term relationship".

The New York Times

It was a pivotal meeting, but neither side had anticipated one thing: Deng was a natural.

The New Yorker

Almost lost in the comeback was one thing that might make this a pivotal game in a negative way.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pivotal thing" when you want to emphasize the crucial or decisive nature of something in a particular situation or event. It suggests that the outcome significantly depends on this 'thing'.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal thing" in very casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like 'important' or 'key'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal thing" functions as a nominal phrase where the adjective "pivotal" modifies the noun "thing". It emphasizes the importance or critical nature of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pivotal thing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes something of crucial importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and can be effectively used in writing. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes the significant impact of the 'thing' in question. Consider alternatives like "a crucial matter" or "a key element" to fine-tune the emphasis. Avoid overuse in very informal settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial matter

Replaces 'pivotal' with 'crucial' and 'thing' with 'matter', emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand.

a critical aspect

Substitutes 'pivotal' with 'critical' and 'thing' with 'aspect', highlighting its significant role or feature.

a key element

Replaces 'pivotal' with 'key' and 'thing' with 'element', focusing on its essential role.

a fundamental component

Emphasizes the basic and necessary nature of the thing, highlighting its importance as a building block.

an essential factor

Highlights the thing's indispensability and its influence on an outcome or situation.

a decisive factor

Indicates that the thing is likely to determine the outcome or resolution of a situation.

a game changer

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe something that dramatically alters the course of events.

a turning point

Indicates a moment or event that marks a significant change or shift in direction.

a linchpin

Uses a metaphor to describe something that is essential for holding things together.

a cornerstone

Uses a metaphor to describe something that is the basic foundation or support of something else.

FAQs

What does "a pivotal thing" mean?

The phrase "a pivotal thing" describes something that is of critical importance and can significantly influence the outcome of a situation or event. It highlights the decisive nature of the 'thing' being discussed.

What are some alternatives to "a pivotal thing"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "a pivotal thing" in academic writing?

Yes, "a pivotal thing" is appropriate for academic writing when you need to emphasize the critical importance of a factor or element. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

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

You can use "a pivotal thing" in a sentence like this: "The court's ruling was "a pivotal thing", and Flowers said of the ruling."