fateful turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fateful turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or pivotal moment that has important consequences, often in a narrative or historical context. Example: "The decision to leave the company marked a fateful turn in her career, leading her to unexpected opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Then his life took a fateful turn.

The New York Times

The Kachadoorians piled into their three cars and made a fateful turn onto Baladayat Street.

The New York Times

When Belgium was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War, Flemish nationalism took a fateful turn toward collaboration.

The New Yorker

His life took its fateful turn in July 1968, when he lost a hostel place following complaints from other residents.

The Guardian

But according to Ms. Cybulska, the hiring process took a bizarre and ultimately fateful turn at the next interview, a follow-up.

The New York Times

A former fast-food manager, Mr. Levenson was hawking ice cream at Coney Island when his life took a fateful turn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

These have left their mark on 20th-century cities, as did Baron Hausmann's boulevards in Paris, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's and Owen Jones's arguments for historical style, and Adolf Loos's fateful turn-of-the-century call to abolish ornament which, in turn, inspired Le Corbusier's austere modern functionalism.

The Economist

Bose has written a book that should provoke both fresh research and fresh thinking about a fateful turning point in the history of the subcontinent.

The Guardian - Books

Condon's movie has its share of eureka moments (premarital sex is widespread!) and Fateful Turning Points When the Hero Must Not Waver, and other such stirring clichés of the bio-pic genre.

The New Yorker

Where revenue growth stalls could be attributed to innovation breakdown, the problems emphatically did not center on individual product launch failures; a New Coke may occasionally belly flop, but the result is typically a temporary growth stumble rather than a fateful turning point in a company's growth history.

Harvard Business Review

It's a riveting story, with fateful turns, romances and infatuations, nervous breakdowns and recoveries, and financial dealings worthy of the best entrepreneurial sagas of the age.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fateful turn" to emphasize the impact and consequences of a specific moment or decision, especially in narratives or historical accounts. It adds a sense of significance and implies that events will never be the same afterward.

Common error

Avoid using "fateful turn" to describe everyday occurrences or minor inconveniences. Its strong connotation of destiny and major consequences is best reserved for truly significant events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fateful turn" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a significant event or moment that has profound consequences. As noted by Ludwig, it's used to highlight pivotal moments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fateful turn" denotes a pivotal moment with significant consequences, often found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing life-altering events, decisive turning points, and critical junctures. While synonymous with phrases like "critical juncture" and "pivotal moment", "fateful turn" carries a stronger connotation of destiny and profound impact. It's best used to describe substantial events rather than trivial occurrences. Using it accurately enhances narrative impact and emphasizes the lasting changes resulting from a specific moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisive turning point

Highlights both the importance and the change in direction.

pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning or change aspect of the event.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the moment.

life-altering event

Emphasizes the transformative impact on someone's life.

moment of destiny

Adds a sense of predetermination and fate to the event.

turning of the tide

Suggests a reversal of fortune or momentum.

significant event

Broadly refers to an important occurrence without specifying its nature.

point of no return

Indicates a decision or event after which there is no going back.

game-changing situation

Indicates that something has shifted to have a very different effect on a thing.

chance encounter

Highlights the role of chance and unplanned meetings.

FAQs

How can I use "fateful turn" in a sentence?

The phrase "fateful turn" is used to describe a significant event or decision that changes the course of events. For example, "The "fateful turn" in his career came when he decided to leave his secure job and start his own business."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "fateful turn"?

Alternatives to "fateful turn" include "critical juncture", "pivotal moment", or "decisive turning point". These phrases also convey a moment of significant change.

Is "fateful turn" formal or informal language?

"Fateful turn" is considered neutral to formal language, suitable for news articles, historical accounts, and narratives. It may be less appropriate in casual conversation. Ludwig AI suggests that it is used primarily in news contexts.

What makes a "fateful turn" different from a regular change?

A "fateful turn" implies that the change has significant and often irrevocable consequences, suggesting a degree of destiny or profound impact beyond a simple alteration or adjustment. It is not just any change; it is a change with far-reaching effects.