at the decisive moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the decisive moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a critical point in time when a significant decision or action is made. Example: "The photographer captured the essence of the event at the decisive moment, freezing the action in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Ammar has said little about his decision to turn against the President, but, at the decisive moment, he and other officers evidently concluded that the protesters' cause was a just one.

The New Yorker

At each attempt, he fails at the decisive moment.

The New York Times

"We are in fact at the decisive moment in this process.

The Guardian

The experienced surgeon is able to apply his real concentration at the decisive moment.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd usually wash because he'd disappear to the toilet at the decisive moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Replays showed that her front wheel was partially ahead of Varnish's at the decisive moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Here in California this week, Mr. Edwards was at once cheerful and combative as he arrived at what many supporters described as the decisive moment in his candidacy, pledging to move ahead even if he went through yet another Tuesday without winning a single state.

The New York Times

Now the burden falls to him, at perhaps the decisive moment in President Obama's campaign to reverse the deteriorating situation on the ground here and regain the momentum in this nine-year-old war.

The New York Times

Mrs. Merkel may not always move quickly, said Mr. Kister, "but at the decisive moments she doesn't hesitate".

The New York Times

They steadily increased the pressure, waited for the error and produced the telling blows at the decisive moments.

The Guardian - Sport

Sixty-five years later, the black pieces keep winning the game at the decisive moments.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "at the decisive moment", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the moment 'decisive'. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand the significance of that particular point in time.

Common error

Avoid using "at the decisive moment" multiple times within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the decisive moment" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when a crucial action occurs. As evidenced by Ludwig, it emphasizes the critical timing of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the decisive moment" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that highlights the critical timing of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "at the critical juncture" or "when it mattered most" can provide nuanced variations, understanding the phrase's function and avoiding overuse will enhance your writing. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, alternatives, and stylistic considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the critical juncture

Replaces 'moment' with 'juncture', emphasizing the convergence of events at a crucial time.

at the turning point

Highlights the idea of a change in direction or outcome.

at the crucial time

Replaces 'decisive' with 'crucial', emphasizing the importance of the timing.

at the eleventh hour

Emphasizes the last possible opportunity before it's too late.

when it mattered most

Focuses on the significance of the timing.

in the moment of truth

Highlights a moment of revelation or critical assessment.

in the nick of time

Highlights the narrow margin by which something was achieved.

at the climactic stage

Uses 'climactic stage' to suggest the height of tension and action.

when push came to shove

An idiom suggesting when a difficult decision had to be made.

when the chips were down

Implies a moment of crisis or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "at the decisive moment" in a sentence?

Use "at the decisive moment" to highlight a critical juncture where a crucial decision or action influences the outcome. For example: "The general made his strategic move "at the decisive moment", turning the tide of the battle."

What are some alternatives to "at the decisive moment"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the critical juncture", "at the turning point", or "when it mattered most" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at the decisive moment" formal or informal?

"At the decisive moment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversations to highlight a critical point in time.

What makes a moment "decisive"?

A moment is considered "decisive" when the actions or decisions taken during that time have a significant impact on the final outcome. It is a turning point that determines the direction or result of a situation.