a watershed

USAGE SUMMARY

"a watershed" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a turning point or a pivotal moment in a situation or event. It can also refer to a crucial or important stage or period in history. Example: The invention of the internet marked a watershed in the way we communicate and access information.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a watershed.

The New York Times

Romania faces a watershed year.

The Economist

The moment was a watershed.

The New Yorker

"We're seeing a watershed event".

The New York Times

This was a watershed event.

The New York Times - Arts

The award was a watershed.

The New York Times

This is a watershed.

The Guardian

Is this a watershed?

The Times

"It's a watershed.

The New York Times

It's sort of a watershed moment.

The New York Times

"It's quite a watershed," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a watershed" to emphasize the significance of a particular moment or event that has a lasting impact or alters the course of future developments.

Common error

Avoid using "a watershed" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly pivotal moments to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a watershed" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a significant turning point or event that marks a major shift in a situation or process, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a watershed" is a powerful phrase used to denote a significant turning point or transformative moment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, consider its neutral to formal register and reserve it for truly pivotal events to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "a turning point" or "a pivotal moment" can provide variety, but "a watershed" specifically emphasizes the lasting impact of the event. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a watershed" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a turning point

Focuses on the idea of change in direction or outcome.

a pivotal moment

Emphasizes the critical importance and influence of a particular instant.

a critical juncture

Highlights the decisive nature of the situation and its potential consequences.

a landmark event

Stresses the historical significance and lasting impact of an occurrence.

a game changer

Suggests a fundamental shift that alters the rules or dynamics of a situation.

a transformative event

Emphasizes the profound and lasting change resulting from an occurrence.

a point of no return

Indicates a moment after which it is impossible to revert to a previous state.

a historical turning point

Specifically relates the event to a significant shift in history.

a decisive moment

Highlights the conclusiveness and impact of the event.

a sea change

Implies a substantial and comprehensive transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "a watershed" in a sentence?

Use "a watershed" to describe a turning point or significant event, such as, "The new legislation represents "a watershed" in environmental policy".

What's the difference between "a watershed" and "a milestone"?

"A watershed" signifies a turning point with lasting impact, while a milestone simply marks progress. A milestone is a point towards a goal; "a watershed" is a moment changing the direction.

What can I say instead of "a watershed"?

You can use alternatives like "a turning point", "a pivotal moment", or "a critical juncture" depending on the specific context.

Is "watershed moment" different from "watershed"?

"Watershed moment" emphasizes the specific instant of change, while "watershed" can refer to a more extended period or broader shift. The phrases are often interchangeable, but "a watershed" can sometimes imply a more lasting effect.