a turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

"a turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it if you're trying to describe a significant moment that changed the course of something. For example, "The first day of high school was a turning point in her life; it was the first step on her path to a successful career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

:A turning point, or business as usual?

BBC

It's a turning point".

The New Yorker

A turning point.

The New Yorker

Is it a turning point?

The Economist

It was a turning point.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is a turning point.

Independent

Was it a turning point?

The New Yorker

Players viewed that as a turning point.

The New York Times - Sports

The following year brought a turning point.

The New York Times

Her endorsement was a turning point.

The New Yorker

But a turning point to what?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a turning point", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and what the new direction or state will be. Provide specific details to emphasize the significance of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "a turning point" for minor events that do not result in substantial changes. Save it for moments with clear and lasting impact; otherwise, the phrase loses its weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a turning point" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object to identify a moment of significant change or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound expression, seen frequently across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a turning point" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a significant moment that marks a change in direction or outcome. Grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and impact of the change. While alternatives like "a watershed moment" or "a game changer" exist, "a turning point" remains a clear and impactful choice for emphasizing pivotal moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a watershed moment

Emphasizes the importance of the moment as a divider between two distinct periods.

a pivotal juncture

Highlights the critical nature of the point in influencing future events.

a critical juncture

Similar to "a pivotal juncture", stressing the importance of the decision point.

a game changer

Focuses on the transformative impact of the event or decision.

a moment of truth

Conveys the idea that the point reveals the true nature or outcome of a situation.

a crossroads

Uses a spatial metaphor to suggest a decision with divergent paths.

a decisive moment

Highlights the moment's role in determining a future outcome.

an inflection point

Similar to "a turning point", but often used in more technical or analytical contexts.

a point of no return

Suggests that after this point, the previous state cannot be recovered.

a shift in direction

Focuses on the change of trajectory or course.

FAQs

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

You can use "a turning point" to describe a moment in time when a significant change occurs. For example, "Graduating from college was "a turning point" in her life, marking the beginning of her professional career".

What are some alternatives to "a turning point"?

Alternatives to "a turning point" include "a watershed moment", "a pivotal juncture", or "a game changer". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain what changed after "a turning point"?

While not strictly necessary, explaining the consequences or changes that followed "a turning point" helps to emphasize its importance and provides a clearer understanding of its impact. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

What is the difference between "a turning point" and "an inflection point"?

While similar, "a turning point" generally refers to a significant moment of change in a broader, more general sense. "An inflection point", on the other hand, is often used in more technical or analytical contexts, such as in mathematics or economics, to denote a point where the rate of change shifts.