decisive time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisive time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a critical moment or period when important decisions are made or actions are taken. Example: "The negotiations reached a decisive time when both parties had to agree on the terms or risk losing the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's a decisive time," he said.

The New York Times

In December 1917 he broke with Felice for the second and decisive time.

The Guardian - Books

"The period immediately after World War II was like the nation's infancy, a decisive time for Japanese society.

The New York Times - Books

BLUFF FACT > "In the decisive time trial at the end of the 1989 Tour de France, Greg LeMond used aero bars and an aero helmet.

The Guardian - Sport

By the end of the first set each had served the same number of double faults and aces, taken the same number of breaks and amassed the exact total of points but it was Watson who struck at the decisive time as a driving Babos forehand drifted out to give the Briton a one-set lead.

Independent

Murcia is the only race where Wiggins took on key Tour de France rival Lance Armstrong prior to July's showdown and the Briton will have no complaints that in Saturday's decisive time trial he finished 30 seconds faster than the American.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The last few hours have proven without a doubt that the country is going through a decisive and critical time and the level of tension in some regions is rising to unprecedented levels," the statement said.

The New York Times

German chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that the Eurogroup meeting "will be decisive because time is of the essence".

The Guardian - Business

But the end result, oddly, was far more decisive this time, despite a game-high 19 points by Gottstein.

The New York Times - Sports

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, says a Saturday meeting of eurozone finance ministers, known as the Eurogroup, "will be decisive because time is of the essence".

The Guardian - Business

"All three were large, athletic, decisive types," Time said, ranking them by height: Bingham, "6ft 5in", "played rugby when at the University of California, Berkeley"; Glick, "6ft 4in", "a national collegiate judo champion"; and Burnett, "6ft 1in", "a former high school football player".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decisive time", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific decisions or actions that make the time period critical.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive time" when the situation is not truly critical or impactful. Overusing it can diminish its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive time" functions as a noun phrase, where "decisive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "time". It describes a specific period characterized by critical decision-making. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of the period.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive time" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a critical period marked by important decisions, according to Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts like News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. Ludwig AI indicates its neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and general usage. Alternatives include "critical juncture" and "pivotal moment", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. When using "decisive time", ensure that the situation warrants its use and that the decisions making the period so crucial are clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Emphasizes the meeting point of events and the need for decision-making.

pivotal moment

Focuses on the turning point nature of the time.

crucial period

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the duration.

defining moment

Stresses the impact it has on shaping future events or understanding.

watershed moment

Emphasizes a turning point after which things will be different.

turning point

Highlights the moment when a significant change occurs.

key moment

Emphasizes the importance of a specific instant.

moment of truth

Highlights a moment where a decision or action will reveal the true nature of something.

significant phase

Highlights a notable stage or period in a process or event.

important stage

Emphasizes the relevance and impact of a particular phase.

FAQs

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

Use "decisive time" to describe a period when critical decisions or actions determine an outcome. For example, "The negotiations reached a decisive time when both parties had to agree on the terms."

What are some alternatives to "decisive time"?

You can use alternatives like "critical juncture", "pivotal moment", or "crucial period" depending on the context.

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

"Decisive moment" refers to a specific point in time, while "decisive time" indicates a period during which key decisions or actions occur. The former is instantaneous; the latter, durational.

What makes a "decisive time" different from a regular time?

A "decisive time" is characterized by its importance in determining future outcomes. It involves actions or decisions that have significant and lasting consequences, unlike ordinary periods.