decisive point

USAGE SUMMARY

'decisive point' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an important event or decision that changes the course of a conversation, situation, or event. For example: The Prime Minister's speech at the UN summit was a decisive point in negotiations, ultimately leading to an agreement between the two countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are at a decisive point in time," he said.

The Guardian

This was a decisive point in British Indian history.

Britannica

"We have reached a decisive point," he said.

The Guardian

Woods secured the decisive point by safely parring the final hole of his singles match.

Independent

Meadows's aggressive style certainly contributed to the decisive point that pushed the team into first.

The Washington Post

Because I use film, printing is the decisive point in my work.

The Guardian - Arts

Sept. 11 brought many matters to a decisive point at the firm.

The New York Times

There is polemical hand-waving ("Who says?"; "I think not"; and, most logically decisive, "Point, schmoit").

The New York Times - Books

Determining the decisive point of any battle is the quintessential challenge of wartime command.

The New York Times - Books

The main man that year was Juan Carlos Ferrero, who won the decisive point.

The New York Times - Sports

The Champions League exit was a genuine, perhaps decisive point of failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "decisive point", provide sufficient context to emphasize its importance and potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive point" for minor or inconsequential events. Reserve it for moments that genuinely alter the course of action or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive point" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific moment or juncture that is crucial in determining an outcome. This is supported by Ludwig, where it's shown in various sentence structures across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive point" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a crucial moment that significantly influences an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. The phrase serves to emphasize the importance of a particular juncture in shaping subsequent events. When using "decisive point", ensure it accurately reflects the significance of the moment being described, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Consider alternatives such as "critical juncture" or "turning point" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate the importance of key moments in your narratives or analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of timing and potential consequences at this stage.

turning point

Focuses on the shift or change in direction that occurs.

pivotal moment

Highlights the significance and potential impact of the instant.

crucial stage

Underscores the importance of the current phase in a process or event.

key moment

Highlights a specific instant of particular importance.

defining moment

Stresses the lasting impact the event will have.

watershed moment

Suggests a clear division between what came before and what will follow.

climactic point

Implies that the peak intensity of the event is being reached.

inflection point

Focuses on a change in the rate of increase or decrease, suggesting a shift in momentum.

tipping point

Highlights the moment when a small change causes a larger, more significant effect.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "decisive point" in a sentence?

Incorporate "decisive point" to signal a pivotal moment where a significant shift or decision occurs, impacting subsequent events. Providing context is essential to emphasize its weight and consequences.

What are some alternatives to using "decisive point" in my writing?

Consider using phrases such as "critical juncture", "turning point", or "pivotal moment" to add variety while conveying a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "decisive point" and "important moment"?

"Important moment" indicates significance, but "decisive point" specifically denotes a moment that triggers significant consequences or alters the direction of events.

When is it inappropriate to use the term "decisive point"?

Avoid using "decisive point" when describing minor events that do not have a substantial impact on the overall situation or outcome. Ensure the moment genuinely warrants such a designation.