mark a turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark a turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate a significant event that represents a change or a shift from one thing to another. For example: "By winning the election, Susan's victory marked a turning point in the communities' attitudes towards female politicians."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

India's elections could mark a turning point.

The Washington Post

These events mark a turning point.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, they may mark a turning point.

The Economist

The vote will mark a turning point in coalition relationships.

The Guardian - Opinion

They hope his death will mark a turning point.

The Guardian

But the ceremonies on Wednesday should mark a turning point.

The New York Times

If so, 2015 ought to mark a turning point.

The Guardian - Business

Allies hoped it would mark a turning point on the road to forming a credible Opposition.

Independent

Yet this week's summit in Tripoli could mark a turning point.

The New York Times

The bloodshed appeared to mark a turning point in the revolution, many here said.

The New York Times

The comments appear to mark a turning point in Western impressions about India.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "mark a turning point" to emphasize a significant shift or change in direction, strategy, or understanding. It's effective in highlighting pivotal moments in history, business, or personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "mark a turning point" for minor adjustments or routine changes. Reserve it for situations where the impact is substantial and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark a turning point" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used with a subject to form a clause. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describes moments of significant change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark a turning point" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a significant shift or change, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While highly effective, it's crucial to reserve its usage for genuinely transformative moments, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "signal a turning point" or "mark a watershed moment" can provide nuanced expressions for specific contexts. Overall, understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register will help you leverage "mark a turning point" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a turning point

This alternative frames the event as symbolizing or embodying a change, adding a layer of representation.

constitute a turning point

Highlights the event's role in composing or forming a significant change.

signal a turning point

This alternative focuses on indicating or announcing a shift, rather than the shift itself.

indicate a turning point

Focuses on the event as a sign or signal of a change, rather than the change itself.

signify a turning point

Emphasizes the meaning or symbolism of the event as representing a change.

herald a turning point

Suggests the event as a precursor or sign of an impending significant change.

mark a critical juncture

Emphasizes the decisive and crucial nature of the moment in determining future outcomes.

mark a watershed moment

Implies a more decisive and impactful change, often with long-term consequences.

mark a sea change

Suggests a more profound, comprehensive, and fundamental transformation.

mark a new chapter

This alternative frames the event as the beginning of a new phase or period, often implying progress or advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "mark a turning point" to indicate that something is a significant moment when an important change happens, like: "The new policy will "mark a turning point" in the company's approach to sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "mark a turning point"?

Some alternatives to "mark a turning point" include "signal a turning point", "mark a watershed moment", or "represent a turning point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "marked a turning point" or "marks a turning point"?

Both "marked a turning point" and "marks a turning point" are grammatically correct, the choice depends on the tense you're using. "Marked" is past tense, while "marks" is present tense.

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

"Mark a turning point" signifies a change in direction or approach, while "mark a milestone" indicates the achievement of a significant objective. The former implies a shift, whereas the latter implies progress toward a goal.