key turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

"key turning point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important moment or event that leads to a significant change in a situation, particularly a change from bad to good. For example: The election of a new president marked a key turning point in the country's economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By then the key turning point in the struggle against apartheid had occurred.

Independent

Michigan — actually, a few days before Michigan — again emerges as the key turning point by this measure.

The New York Times

He identified the Stirling Prize given to the Accordia project in Cambridge in 2008 as a key turning point.

Independent

Our Common Future represents a seminal moment and key turning point in the history of sustainable development.

The Guardian

A key turning point in addictions recovery is hitting rock bottom, where the painful awareness of crisis provokes a profound shift in direction.

The Guardian

It's the key turning point, when it could have gone in the right direction, but went in the wrong direction instead".

The Guardian

A key turning point was when a leading Kurdish cleric, Mullah Omar, told a conference organised by Human Rights Watch: "Female circumcision is an injustice.

The Guardian

For all its shortcomings, the Wolfenden report is usually regarded as the key turning point in the fight for legalisation, the moment at which a government-appointed body said unequivocally that the law should change.

The Guardian

Another key turning point came at No. 15 in regulation, when Woods made a 15-foot putt to save par, then May missed a 4-foot putt that would have given him a birdie.

The New York Times - Sports

A key turning point was the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

BBC

For example, a key turning point may be systematically missed in some realizations.

Security Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key turning point", ensure the context clearly establishes what changed as a result of this point. Provide specifics to illustrate the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "key turning point" for minor events that do not result in significant, lasting change. Reserve it for moments with substantial and demonstrable consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key turning point" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a specific moment that marks a significant change or transition, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key turning point" is a versatile noun phrase used to emphasize a significant moment of change, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing most frequently in news and media, it denotes a crucial event that alters the course of subsequent developments. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to reserve this phrase for moments with substantial and lasting impact, avoiding its overuse for trivial events. Related phrases such as "pivotal moment" or "critical juncture" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, enriching your writing with nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflection point

This phrase is very close in meaning and often used in more formal or technical contexts.

pivotal moment

This phrase focuses on the importance of the instant in determining subsequent events.

critical juncture

This alternative emphasizes the decisive nature of the moment, particularly in complex situations.

watershed event

This phrase highlights the transformative impact of the event, marking a clear division between what was and what will be.

decisive shift

This alternative puts more emphasis on the change that occurs because of the turning point.

tipping point

This alternative suggests that a buildup of factors led to this moment.

game changer

This is a more colloquial term that describes something that fundamentally alters a situation.

breakthrough moment

This phrase suggests a sudden advancement or discovery.

critical threshold

Similar to "tipping point", but often used in more scientific or technical contexts.

turning of the tide

This implies a reversal of fortune or momentum.

FAQs

How can I use "key turning point" in a sentence?

You can use "key turning point" to describe a moment that significantly alters the course of events. For example, "The invention of the printing press was a key turning point in the spread of knowledge".

What are some alternatives to "key turning point"?

Alternatives include "pivotal moment", "critical juncture", or "watershed event", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "key turning point" in formal writing?

Yes, "key turning point" is suitable for formal writing. It is widely used in news, academic papers, and business reports to denote significant moments of change.

What makes a moment qualify as a "key turning point"?

A moment qualifies as a "key turning point" when it demonstrably and significantly alters the trajectory of events, leading to a new direction or outcome. It's more than just a change; it's a shift with lasting impact.