epoch-making

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'epoch-making' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event, decision, or period of time that is seen as having a significant effect on the course of history. For example: The publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was an epoch-making moment in the history of science.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be epoch-making.

The New York Times

Every election is hailed as epoch-making.

The New York Times

These are epoch-making times.

The Guardian

On that score, these books disappoint.These were epoch-making lives.

The Economist

This judgment has certainly been an epoch-making event.

The Economist

Beethoven's epoch-making utterances may be more digestible in single helpings.

The Guardian - Music

Today's announcement represents more than just an epoch-making triumph of science and reason.

The New York Times - Science

Did Russell cheat Cecilia Payne of an epoch-making discovery in 1925?

The New York Times - Books

An epoch-making score, it redefined the parameters of musical potential.

The Guardian

"We were talking about epoch-making moments, big turning points in history," Mr. Charman recalled.

The New York Times

Shortly after his arrival at Texas Instruments (TI), Kilby had his epoch-making "monolithic idea".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "epoch-making" to describe events or discoveries that fundamentally alter the course of history or thought. Ensure the context clearly establishes the long-term and significant impact.

Common error

Avoid using "epoch-making" to describe events that are merely new or interesting, but lack demonstrable long-term impact. Reserve it for truly transformative occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "epoch-making" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe events, discoveries, or ideas that are highly significant and mark a new era or a turning point. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "epoch-making" is an adjective used to describe events, discoveries, or ideas of profound historical importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for emphasizing significant turning points. It's most frequently found in news and media sources but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives such as "groundbreaking" or "transformative" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to reserve "epoch-making" for truly transformative events, avoiding overuse for the merely new or interesting. Using "epoch-making" correctly ensures your writing accurately conveys the historical weight and lasting impact of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking

Focuses on the innovative and pioneering aspect, highlighting that something is new and precedent-setting.

transformative

Emphasizes the capacity to cause a significant and lasting change.

revolutionary

Suggests a radical shift or overthrow of existing norms or structures.

seminal

Highlights the foundational and highly influential nature of something.

pivotal

Indicates a turning point or crucial moment that significantly affects the future.

watershed

Implies a significant event that marks a clear division between what came before and what comes after.

paradigm-shifting

Focuses on a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.

momentous

Emphasizes the great importance and consequence of an event or decision.

historic

Indicates that something is important enough to be recorded in history, carrying enduring significance.

unprecedented

Highlights that something has never happened or been known before, emphasizing its novelty.

FAQs

How can I use "epoch-making" in a sentence?

Use "epoch-making" to describe events, discoveries, or periods that mark a significant turning point in history or a particular field. For example, "The invention of the printing press was an "epoch-making" event".

What's a less formal alternative to "epoch-making"?

While "epoch-making" is relatively formal, alternatives like "groundbreaking" or "transformative" can be used in more general contexts while still conveying significant impact.

Is "epochal" a synonym for "epoch-making"?

"Epochal" is a synonym for "epoch-making", but "epoch-making" more directly implies the act of creating a new epoch or significantly changing the course of events. Both terms describe something highly significant and influential.

When is it appropriate to use the term "epoch-making"?

It is appropriate to use the term "epoch-making" when referring to events, discoveries, or innovations that have a profound and lasting impact on society, culture, science, or history. Be sure that the evidence and context supports such a strong assertion.