a positive turn of events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive turn of events" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where circumstances have improved or taken a favorable direction. Example: "After weeks of uncertainty, the announcement of new funding was a positive turn of events for the struggling startup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a positive turn of events, Mohamed has since picked up encouragement from the likes of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Twitter itself.

The Guardian - Music

For Mr. Falcone, who is currently engaged in two battles over LightSquared, a broadband company in bankruptcy he is fighting to maintain control over, the settlement appeared to be a positive turn of events.

The New York Times

A poll in The Boston Globe on Monday showed Mr. Brown, above, in a dead heat with Ms. Warren, a positive turn of events for the Republican, who had been trailing in most recent polls.

The New York Times

In a positive turn of events, the second of the Sound Academy afterparties, once again featured a day one headliner who suffered the force of the cancellation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"From the insurers' standpoint, that was a very positive turn of events," said Rick Weissenstein, a health care policy analyst in the Washington Research Group at Concept Capital, which follows developments for investors.

The New York Times - Health

But things took a positive turn.

The New York Times - Arts

The raid on a private Yale party was a startling turn of events, given the generally positive relations between the Police Department and the university in recent years.

The New York Times

This is a stunning turn of events.

The Economist

"It was a good turn of events.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a remarkable turn of events.

The New Yorker

That was a perplexing turn of events.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive turn of events" to highlight a specific moment or incident that marks a significant improvement in a situation, providing a sense of hope or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "a positive turn of events" for minor or insignificant improvements. Reserve it for situations where the change is substantial and clearly beneficial.

Linguistic Context

A positive turn of events functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a specific incident or development that has a beneficial impact on a situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a positive turn of events" is used to describe situations where circumstances have improved, bringing about a favorable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While not overly common, its meaning is clear and its usage is generally straightforward. Related phrases include ""a favorable development"" and ""a turn for the better"". Remember to reserve it for significant improvements and consider the audience when using it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a turn for the better

Highlights the improvement in the situation.

a favorable development

Stresses the positive and advantageous nature of the unfolding events.

an encouraging development

Emphasizes the aspect of providing encouragement and hope.

a welcome change

Highlights the aspect of being well-received and desirable.

a fortunate twist

Focuses on the element of luck and good fortune.

a beneficial outcome

Highlights the advantageous result of the events.

an upturn in fortunes

Suggests a rise in overall prosperity and good luck.

a silver lining

Highlights the positive aspect within a challenging situation.

things looking up

An idiom that indicates an improvement in a situation.

an optimistic outlook

Emphasizes the hopeful perspective on future events.

FAQs

How can I use "a positive turn of events" in a sentence?

You can use "a positive turn of events" to describe a situation where there's been a notable improvement or a change for the better. For example, "The new policy proved to be "a positive turn of events" for the company."

What's a good alternative to "a positive turn of events"?

Alternatives include "a favorable development", "a welcome change", or "a turn for the better". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a positive turn of events" in formal writing?

Yes, "a positive turn of events" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news articles, reports, and business communications. However, always consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.

Can "a positive turn of events" be used ironically?

While primarily used to denote genuine improvement, "a positive turn of events" could be used ironically if the situation is perceived as negative, creating a contrast for emphasis. The context should make the ironic intent clear.