at a watershed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a watershed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a critical point or turning point in a situation or process. Example: "The decision to invest in renewable energy marked a moment at a watershed for the company's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

America is now at a watershed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Are we at a watershed moment?

The Guardian - Film

His stage fright came at a watershed in his life.

The Guardian - Film

Davies believes the game is at a watershed.

The Guardian - Sport

The long shot pitched himself: "We are at a watershed moment".

The New York Times

"Women are at a watershed moment," Ms. Hewlett said, pointing to the recession's squeeze on incomes.

The New York Times

The company's move comes at a watershed in the competitive credit card market.

The Guardian - Business

"We are at a watershed," declared Mr. Peres at the meeting.

The New York Times

"We're at a watershed in our history," Joel Hunter told me over lunch at his home in Orlando.

The New Yorker

When we put these books together, we realized that we had been looking at a watershed era of massive proportions.

The New York Times

"The Grey Album" comes at a watershed moment in the history of what listeners are allowed to hear.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a watershed" to emphasize the significance of a turning point, especially when discussing long-term impacts or fundamental changes.

Common error

Avoid using "at a watershed" for minor or temporary changes. This phrase is best reserved for situations with substantial and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a watershed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when a significant turning point or critical juncture occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a watershed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a crucial turning point. As Ludwig AI validates, it's found frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signaling significant moments with lasting implications. While "at a turning point" or "at a critical juncture" serve as viable alternatives, it's essential to reserve "at a watershed" for scenarios involving substantial and enduring consequences. The phrase's neutral to formal register suits it for a range of professional and academic communications, making it a valuable tool for emphasizing critical junctures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At a turning point

Emphasizes the shift or change in direction, similar to being at a critical juncture.

At a critical juncture

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

At a pivotal moment

Stresses the significance and potential impact of the present time.

At a crossroads

Implies a decision-making point where different paths diverge.

At a decisive stage

Focuses on the stage of development where a clear outcome is likely.

On the cusp

Suggests being on the verge of a significant change or development.

Facing a turning point

Highlights the challenge and need to address the shift.

Experiencing a sea change

Implies a dramatic and fundamental transformation.

Undergoing a transformation

Focuses on the process of change and its effects.

At a point of inflection

Implies a change in the curve or trajectory of something, analogous to a turning point.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a watershed" to describe a turning point or critical moment. For example, "The company's new strategy put them at a watershed, where they had to decide whether to innovate or fall behind".

What are some alternatives to "at a watershed"?

Alternatives include "at a turning point", "at a critical juncture", or "at a pivotal moment", each emphasizing the significance of the moment.

Is it more appropriate to use "at a watershed" or "at a turning point"?

"At a watershed" and "at a turning point" are similar, but "at a watershed" often implies a more profound and lasting impact, suggesting fundamental change rather than a mere shift in direction.

What does "at a watershed" imply about the situation being described?

"At a watershed" suggests that the situation is at a critical stage with significant implications for the future. It's a moment where important decisions or changes are taking place.