key moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"key moment" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or occurrence that is particularly important or noteworthy. For example, "The key moment in the movie occurred when the main character revealed a shocking truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a key moment.

The New Yorker

The key moment?

The Guardian - Music

That was the key moment.

The Guardian

This was a key moment.

The Guardian - Arts

Every key moment became squeaky-Pom time.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a key moment for us".

The Guardian

"It is a key moment for China.

The Guardian - Business

"The key moment will be Pennsylvania.

The Guardian

"This is a key moment for Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

A key moment came on Tuesday, Jan . 15 , 1980

The New York Times

A key moment came last weekend.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key moment", consider the context and whether a more specific term might be more appropriate, such as "turning point" or "critical juncture", to convey the precise nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "key moment" too frequently in storytelling or analysis. Overusing it can dilute its impact; instead, vary your language to describe important events with richer, more descriptive terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key moment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of significant importance. Ludwig examples confirm that it is used to pinpoint crucial events or turning points in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key moment" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize a significant point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business writing. To enhance clarity, consider using more specific synonyms like "turning point" or "critical juncture" when appropriate. While generally versatile, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Remember, a "key moment" is a decisive event, not just any important occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal instant

Emphasizes the turning point aspect, suggesting a critical shift.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance of the time and circumstances.

turning point

Focuses on the change that occurs as a result of the moment.

decisive event

Stresses the conclusive nature of the occurrence.

significant episode

Highlights the importance and notability of the event.

watershed

Implies a major turning point after which things will not be the same.

defining moment

Suggests the moment shapes the identity or understanding of something.

crucial instance

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the particular occurrence.

seminal point

Highlights the generative and influential nature of the moment.

game changer

An informal phrase indicating a significant shift or alteration of the status quo.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key moment" in a sentence?

Use "key moment" to highlight a pivotal event that significantly influences the outcome or understanding of a situation. For example, "The negotiation reached a "key moment" when both parties agreed to the terms".

What are some alternatives to using "key moment"?

You can use alternatives like "turning point", "pivotal instant", or "critical juncture" depending on the context.

Is "key moment" formal or informal?

"Key moment" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but you may opt for more formal alternatives like "critical juncture" in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "key moment" and "important event"?

"Key moment" implies a specific point in time that is decisive or transformative, whereas "important event" is a broader term that encompasses any significant occurrence. A "key moment" is always an important event, but not every important event is necessarily a "key moment".