decisive moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"decisive moment" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an important moment or event that is likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of a situation or process. For example: "With the recent election results, this has become a decisive moment for the future direction of our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A decisive moment approaches.

The Guardian

Our struggle has reached a decisive moment.

Independent

And then there's that decisive moment.

The New York Times

The decisive moment came three minutes later.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was the decisive moment".

The New York Times - Sports

The decisive moment came in 1886.

University of California, Berkeley

"This is a decisive moment," he says.

The Guardian

Fortunately it was not a decisive moment.

The Guardian - Sport

And anyway, when is the decisive moment?

The Guardian - Sport

Historians consider it a decisive moment.

The New York Times

But it was a decisive moment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decisive moment" when you want to emphasize a turning point that significantly impacts the outcome of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive moment" for trivial situations. This phrase should be reserved for instances where the outcome is significantly altered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive moment" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a critical point in time or event that significantly influences subsequent outcomes. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for describing important events with a substantial impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decisive moment" is a frequently used phrase to signify a pivotal juncture or turning point with high stakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academia. The phrase is best reserved for situations where a specific point in time or event significantly alters the course of events. Alternatives such as ""critical juncture"" or ""turning point"" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid using "decisive moment" for minor, insignificant events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining moment

Suggests the instant something's true nature is revealed.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the meeting point of events and its importance.

turning point

Highlights the change in direction or outcome.

pivotal instant

Focuses on the single, crucial point in time.

watershed event

Implies a significant shift or division in history or a process.

moment of truth

Focuses on honesty, testing, and revealing the real situation.

crucial period

Expands the moment into a timeframe with high stakes.

make-or-break situation

Emphasizes the binary outcome of success or failure.

significant event

Underlines importance and not necessarily a specific time.

historic occasion

Highlights the potential for lasting impact and remembrance.

FAQs

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

You can use "decisive moment" to describe a turning point or a critical juncture in a situation. For example: "The vote was a "decisive moment" in the country's history".

What are some alternatives to "decisive moment"?

Alternatives to "decisive moment" include "critical juncture", "turning point", or "pivotal instant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "decisive moment" formal or informal?

"Decisive moment" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread across various types of sources, indicating its versatility.

What makes a moment "decisive"?

A moment is "decisive" when it significantly influences the course of events or the outcome of a situation. It is a point where a critical decision or event determines what follows.