a significant turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment or event that marks a major change in a situation or process. Example: "The discovery of penicillin was a significant turning point in the field of medicine, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonetheless, it is a significant turning point.

The Economist

The experience marked a significant turning point.

The New Yorker

That was a significant turning point.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a significant turning point.

The Guardian

Fifty years is a significant turning point.

The Guardian

Yet the settlement is a significant turning point for Google.

The New York Times

A significant turning point came in the 10th game of the second set.

The Guardian - Sport

The High Court's decision was a significant turning point for Indigenous land rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

In short, the summit marks a significant turning point, which only Putin could have brought about.

The New Yorker

Does this mark a significant turning point or is it merely a passing blip?

The Guardian - Opinion

La Plata's masterplan marked a significant turning point in urban planning in Argentina.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use synonyms like "pivotal moment" or "watershed moment" to add nuance to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant turning point" for minor events. Reserve it for moments that truly alter the course of events or have lasting consequences. Exaggerated use diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant turning point" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific moment or event that marks a notable shift or change. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase highlights a crucial moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant turning point" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression, serving as a noun phrase that denotes a crucial moment of change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's important to reserve the phrase for events with genuine and lasting impact. For variety, consider alternatives like "a pivotal moment" or "a watershed moment". Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major turning point

Focuses on the magnitude of the change.

a crucial juncture

Emphasizes the critical nature of the moment.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the importance of the moment for future outcomes.

a watershed moment

Suggests a clear division between what was and what will be.

a game changer

Indicates a fundamental shift in strategy or approach.

a landmark event

Highlights the historical importance of the occurrence.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the moment for future outcomes.

a moment of truth

Focuses on a decisive event that reveals the reality of a situation.

a decisive moment

Highlights the impact of the decision that followed.

a historic shift

Highlights broad and important change.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant turning point" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant turning point" to describe an event that marks a major change. For example, "The invention of the internet was "a significant turning point" in communication history."

What are some alternatives to "a significant turning point"?

Alternatives include "a pivotal moment", "a watershed moment", or "a crucial juncture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "significant" with "turning point"?

While "turning point" alone can imply importance, using "significant" emphasizes the magnitude and lasting impact of the change.

What makes an event qualify as "a significant turning point"?

An event qualifies as "a significant turning point" if it leads to substantial and lasting changes in a situation, trend, or process.