decisive incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisive incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific event that significantly influences the outcome of a situation or decision. Example: "The decisive incident in the negotiations occurred when both parties agreed to compromise on key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lives in the theatre are so often seen through the prism of a decisive incident, or a series of critical moments.

The Guardian

Battle of Formigny, (April 15 , 1450, a French victory in the last phase of the Hundred Years' War against the English: it was perhaps the most decisive incident in France's reconquest of Normandy and was also the first occasion of the French use of field artillery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Joubert was unable to refer the ultimately decisive incident on Sunday to the TMO, although if he had his time again he would have probably taken time out to have a chat with the touch judge on that side of the field, Glen Jackson, waiting to sneak a look at the incident on the big screen.

The Guardian - Sport

Wolff admitted it was "unusual" and "bizarre" for a driver to make such a mistake twice in the same race - Rosberg did it on lap nine as Hamilton was fighting to pass Williams's Felipe Massa for second place and again on lap 29, the decisive incident.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He wants to look back at the decisive incidents that turned him into a horror writer and at an unconsoled grief arising from his encounters, as a young American soldier in World War I, with English fairies and a witch.

Los Angeles Times

Summarizing, three cases had critical incidents or a serious threat of such an incident, did perform resilient activities to prevent or recover from critical incidents, and showed that the project leader played a decisive role in that process.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Refreshingly, the response to the latest ugly incident was decisive, and Port Adelaide's administrators deserve credit not only for their swift response but also for putting education and awareness at the heart of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Michael Fallon, the UK defence secretary, announced recently that Britain was to deploy two RAF Chinook transport helicopters to bolster the defence of the islands, helping its garrison to mount a swift and decisive response to any incidents, against a background of renewed fears of a fresh Argentinian invasion of the islands, 33 years after the Falklands war.

The Guardian

In a memorandum to Secret Service employees, the director, Mark J. Sullivan, said the agency had "moved in a swift, decisive manner immediately after this incident was brought to our attention," according to a copy of the memo obtained by The New York Times on Monday.

The New York Times

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff, who had thought the rivalry would remain civilised, describes the incident as a "decisive moment" for the title fight and the team.

BBC

As the prime minister made his assurance, Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, announced that two Chinook helicopters are to be deployed in the middle of next year, which would mount a "swift and decisive response" to any "emerging incidents".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "decisive incident", be specific about what made it decisive. Explain the direct consequences and how the situation changed as a result.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive incident" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "turning point" or "key moment" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive incident" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'decisive' modifies the noun 'incident'. It's primary function is to describe an event that has a significant and determining influence on a particular situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decisive incident" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that refers to a pivotal event with a significant impact on a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for written English. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it's primarily found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, be specific about the incident's impact. Consider alternatives such as "critical event" or "turning point" for varied emphasis. By understanding its specific meaning, you can ensure its accurate and impactful use in your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical event

Focuses on the importance of the event, rather than the conclusive nature.

turning point

Emphasizes the shift or change in direction caused by the event.

pivotal moment

Highlights the importance of the specific time.

key event

Focuses on the event being essential or significant.

crucial episode

Highlights that the event is a part of a series of occurences and that is significant.

determining factor

Highlights the aspects of the event that cause it to be determinant.

game changer

An informal idiom indicating a significant impact that alters the current situation.

watershed moment

Suggests a clear division between what came before and what comes after the incident.

tipping point

Highlights the accumulation of events before a crucial action.

defining moment

Emphasizes the ability of the event to shape or characterize something.

FAQs

How can I use "decisive incident" in a sentence?

Use "decisive incident" to describe a pivotal event that significantly influenced the outcome of a situation. For example: "The Battle of Midway was the "decisive incident" in the Pacific Theater of World War II."

What are some alternatives to "decisive incident"?

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

Is "decisive moment" the same as "decisive incident"?

While similar, "decisive moment" emphasizes a specific point in time, whereas "decisive incident" focuses on the event itself and its consequences. A "pivotal moment" is instantaneous, while a decisive incident may unfold over a longer time.

When should I use "decisive incident" instead of "important event"?

"Decisive incident" is more specific. Use it when the event directly determined the outcome. "Important event" is broader, referring to any event of significance, but not necessarily determinative.