major turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major turning point" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a significant event or moment that marks a significant change or shift in a situation or story. Example: The death of the main character was a major turning point in the novel, as it completely altered the course of the plot and the decisions of the other characters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then came another major turning point.

The New York Times

This is a major turning point.

The Guardian

"That was a major turning point".

The New York Times

Poltava was a major turning point.

Britannica

A major turning point comes around AD1500.

The Guardian - Books

For Lee, Modern Family was a major turning point.

The Guardian

"It's a major turning point for the orchestra moving forward".

The New York Times

And this week marks a major turning point.

The Washington Post

The otogizōshi represent a major turning point in the history of Japanese literature.

Columbia University

The burning of the Newhall could have proven a major turning point in American urban history.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"A major-major turning point for me was singing Valentin here in Faust.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major turning point" to emphasize the significance of a specific event or moment that drastically alters the course of a situation or narrative. For increased impact, ensure the context clearly illustrates the before and after states.

Common error

Avoid using "major turning point" for minor incidents or insignificant changes. Reserve it for situations where the impact is substantial and clearly evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major turning point" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase that identifies a specific moment or event as critical in altering a situation's trajectory. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major turning point" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a pivotal moment or event leading to a significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts including news, academia, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity and impact, reserve this phrase for situations with substantial consequences, and consider alternatives like "pivotal moment" or "watershed event" to add nuance. Avoid redundancy by omitting intensifiers like "very". In summary, "major turning point" effectively highlights transformative moments when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflection point

Highlights a change in the trajectory or direction.

pivotal moment

Highlights the crucial and decisive nature of the event.

watershed event

Suggests a clear division before and after the event.

decisive shift

Emphasizes the conclusive and impactful nature of the change.

significant milestone

Emphasizes the achievement aspect of the turning point.

critical juncture

Focuses on the importance of the decision-making at that point.

game changer

Implies a fundamental shift in strategy or approach.

landmark decision

Focuses on the historical significance of the choice.

groundbreaking development

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the event.

critical threshold

Suggests reaching a necessary level for change to occur.

FAQs

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

Use "major turning point" to describe a moment that significantly alters the course of events. For instance: "The discovery of penicillin was a "major turning point" in medicine."

What are some alternatives to "major turning point"?

You can use alternatives like "pivotal moment", "watershed event", or "significant milestone" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very major turning point"?

Yes, using "very" before "major" is generally redundant. "Major" already implies a high degree of significance. Consider using a different phrase altogether, or restructuring the sentence to emphasize the impact of the "turning point".

What's the difference between a "turning point" and a "major turning point"?

A ""turning point"" indicates a change in direction, while a "major turning point" emphasizes that the change is significant and has substantial consequences. The addition of "major" amplifies the importance of the event.