at the decisive stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the decisive stage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a critical point in a process or situation where important decisions are made or outcomes are determined. Example: "The negotiations reached a turning point, and we found ourselves at the decisive stage of the discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some writers have won because they had strong supporters within the academy; others have faced over-my-dead-body opposition at the decisive stage.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think today was the decisive stage," Andy Schleck said.

The New York Times - Sports

MELBOURNE, Australia Controversial officiating again became a factor in the decisive stages of a match at the 2012 Australian Open, as a women's doubles quarterfinal was extended past what should have been the final point by an incorrect call.

The New York Times

King's College was the decisive staging ground for Keynes's future development.

The New York Times - Books

He said the subsequent mountain stages in the Giro, which ends May 31 in Rome, would be the decisive stages.

The New York Times - Sports

The decisive stages of the battle were on the second day and again Cardigan was absent, although he managed to arrive at a more creditable 10.15 a.m.

Wikipedia

If experience is key at this decisive stage of the season, Jackett will be fine.

BBC

At this decisive stage, Bedouin settlements were designed for the first time in terms of exact location, character and permitted land-uses.

City, Territory and Architecture

EU-Vietnam relations are at a decisive stage, following the entry into force in 2016 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

European Parliament

It was therefore inevitable that someone would try and open up a middle way on Europe, though perhaps less so that the pioneer should be David Owen, whose career, for a middle-way politician, revealed at every decisive stage an incapacity for compromise which eventually was destroyed by it.

The Guardian - Business

In these works, too, Ranke deals with the leading European states at decisive stages of their development within the European system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the decisive stage" to emphasize the critical importance of a particular phase or moment in a process, negotiation, or event. It signals that actions taken during this period will have a significant impact on the final outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "at the decisive stage" when the situation is merely important, but not truly outcome-determinative. The word "decisive" implies that actions taken now have a significant, lasting impact, so reserve this phrase for situations where this is genuinely the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the decisive stage" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs. It specifies the timing of an action or event, highlighting its occurrence during a crucial phase. As shown in Ludwig, it often refers to a critical point in time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the decisive stage" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for highlighting the critical nature of a particular time or phase. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating when something occurs with significant consequences. While relatively uncommon, it is versatile and suitable for use in news, formal business contexts, and even scientific discussions, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using the phrase, ensure that the context truly reflects a moment where actions carry substantial weight. Alternatives such as ""at the critical juncture"" or ""at the turning point"" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the critical juncture

Emphasizes a point of significance where a decision or outcome is likely to have a major impact.

at the turning point

Highlights the moment when a significant change occurs, altering the course of events.

at the pivotal moment

Focuses on a key instance that determines the future direction or success of something.

in the crucial phase

Indicates that the current part of a process is essential and will significantly affect the final result.

during the climactic period

Draws attention to the most intense and important part of an event or process.

when the stakes are highest

Highlights a situation where the potential gains or losses are most significant.

in the heat of the moment

Refers to a time of high emotion or pressure where decisions are made quickly.

as the endgame approaches

Focuses on the final stages of a process or event where the outcome is near.

when push comes to shove

Indicates a situation where decisive action is necessary, often involving confrontation or difficulty.

at crunch time

Refers to a critical period when pressure is high and results are essential.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the decisive stage" to describe a critical point where important decisions are made or outcomes are determined. For instance, "The negotiations reached a turning point, and we found ourselves "at the decisive stage" of the discussions."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "at the critical juncture", "at the turning point", or "at the pivotal moment", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at the decisive stage" or "in the decisive stage"?

"At the decisive stage" is the more common and grammatically sound choice. "In the decisive stage" is less idiomatic and less frequently used.

What distinguishes "at the decisive stage" from "at an important stage"?

"At the decisive stage" suggests that the outcome is heavily influenced by what happens during that particular phase, implying a higher degree of consequence compared to simply being "at an important stage."