pivotal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pivotal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is typically used in formal contexts to describe something or someone that is of utmost importance or that has the ability to influence the outcome of something. For example, "The pivotal role of John in the project ensured its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recruiting the right talent in businesses is pivotal to achieving success.

The Guardian

The younger Bush's move comes at a pivotal moment for the GOP, after the party's lack of success with Latino voters was cited as a primary cause for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's loss to President Barack Obama in Tuesday's general election.

The Guardian

And some political analysts say whether Obama wins on fast track, a pivotal fight for him, is too close to call.

The Guardian

The pivotal moment for Northumberland came in 2013 when the entire national park housing Hadrian's Wall, along with Kielder Water and Forest Park, some 1,500 sq km, was awarded Dark Sky Park status, the only one in England.

The Guardian

President of the USSR, 1985-1991 Others may have known her better than I and will have a lot to tell about her life and work, but my memories may be no less valuable, for they go back to the time of our co-operation at a pivotal moment in the history of Europe and of the world.

The Guardian

This building has been absolutely pivotal in my life and my sense of my subjectivity.

The Guardian

Bob Ward, policy and communications director at London's Grantham Research Institute, said the news that warming had been greater than previously thought should cause governments currently meeting in Bonn to act with renewed urgency and lay foundations for a strong agreement at the pivotal climate conference in Paris this December.

The Guardian

If it's not pivotal, it's merely a rotten part.

The Guardian

That means having less understanding of, say, the pivotal importance of the miners' strike (Billy Elliot's background) in postwar British history; likewise the winter of discontent in Ratcatcher.

The Guardian - Film

So it is hard to imagine there have been many more cheering individual stories in the 51-year history of Lord's finals than Trott's appearance for the Bears, restored as a pivotal, reliable figure in his favourite No3 position.

The Guardian - Sport

Over the last year, Anwar has cobbled together a coalition of three diverse political parties, including his multiracial People's Justice party, ahead of the pivotal March 8 general elections.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivotal" to emphasize that something is not merely important, but that it critically influences the outcome of a situation or process.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal" when "important" or "significant" would suffice. Reserve "pivotal" for situations where the element truly acts as a turning point or critical factor.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pivotal" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate their crucial importance. It highlights the turning point or decisive nature of the modified noun, as seen in Ludwig's examples of "pivotal moment" or "pivotal role".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Books

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivotal" is a powerful adjective used to describe something critically important that acts as a turning point. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, and formal business contexts. When writing, reserve "pivotal" for situations where the element truly dictates the outcome. Alternatives include "crucial", "essential", and "decisive", but the nuanced meaning of "pivotal" often makes it the most precise choice. Understanding its function and appropriate context can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critically important

Emphasizes the necessity of something for success or avoidance of failure.

of utmost importance

Highlights the supreme relevance and significance of something.

centrally important

Indicates that something is essential and at the core of a situation.

crucial

Stresses the decisive and critical nature of something.

fundamentally important

Focuses on the foundational significance of something.

vitally important

Highlights the life-or-death importance of something.

key

Suggests that something is essential for unlocking or achieving something.

essential

Indicates that something is indispensable and necessary.

determinative

Indicates something that plays a decisive role in determining an outcome.

decisive

Emphasizes that something clearly determines the outcome of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "pivotal" in a sentence?

You can use "pivotal" to describe a moment, decision, or factor that is critically important. For example, "The team's strategy shift proved "pivotal" in securing their victory."

What are some alternatives to using the word "pivotal"?

Alternatives to "pivotal" include "crucial", "essential", "critical", or "decisive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "very pivotal"?

While grammatically correct, "very pivotal" can sound redundant since "pivotal" already implies a high degree of importance. Consider using a stronger synonym or rephrasing for greater impact.

What's the difference between "pivotal" and "important"?

"Important" signifies something of significance, whereas "pivotal" indicates something that is a turning point or critically determines an outcome. A "pivotal" moment is always important, but an important event isn't always "pivotal".