pivotal decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pivotal decision' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a decision made by an individual or group which has a major or crucial impact on the outcome of an event or situation. For example: "The president's decision to go to war was a pivotal decision that changed the course of history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And now, with its latest pivotal decision (which I guess isn't quite the same as calling them pivots), Hearsay has launched its Predictive Social Suite, going beyond social media tools by helping its clients track customers on their own websites and other channels.

TechCrunch

It proved to be the pivotal decision of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"The world is standing up for the little guy with this pivotal decision.

The Guardian

At the conclusion of Penn State's ensuing 60-yard scoring drive, Guman made another pivotal decision.

The New York Times - Sports

She chose the latter, in what turned out to be a pivotal decision.

The Guardian

In 2004, I.B.M. made a pivotal decision to exit the personal computer business to focus on corporate technology services.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

These data provide a foundation for the design of more bio-similar media for pivotal decision-guiding assays in drug development and quality control settings.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

There is plenty of reading to do, and the gameplay focuses on pivotal decision-making, from choosing which dungeon corridor to tiptoe down, to how to respond to a disgruntled monster.

The Guardian - Tech

But it is no longer where pivotal decisions are made.

The New York Times

After the crash Cameron and Osborne took two pivotal decisions that have defined their leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

BRIAN KENNY: What were some of the pivotal decisions that they made along the way?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "pivotal decision", clearly articulate its impact and consequences to emphasize its significance. Use specific examples or details to illustrate how the decision altered the course of events.

Common error

Avoid labeling every decision as "pivotal". Overusing the term dilutes its impact. Reserve it for decisions that genuinely mark a turning point or have substantial long-term consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "pivotal" is an adjective modifying the noun "decision". This phrase identifies a specific choice or determination that has a significant and transformative impact. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pivotal decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a choice that has a significant impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various fields like news, academia, and science, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the described decision truly represents a turning point and has far-reaching consequences. Consider alternatives like "critical choice" or "key determination" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact, and always clearly articulate the consequences of the decision to emphasize its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice" and "pivotal" with "critical", emphasizing the crucial nature of the selection.

key determination

Substitutes "decision" with "determination" and "pivotal" with "key", highlighting the significance of the conclusion.

crucial resolution

Replaces "decision" with "resolution" and "pivotal" with "crucial", underscoring the importance of the outcome.

significant judgment

Substitutes "decision" with "judgment" and "pivotal" with "significant", focusing on the weighty consideration involved.

momentous call

Replaces "decision" with "call" and "pivotal" with "momentous", emphasizing the historical or far-reaching impact.

decisive action

Changes the noun to "action" and "pivotal" to "decisive", focusing on the action resulting from the decision.

turning point

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a moment that causes a significant shift.

game-changing decision

Emphasizes the transformative impact of the decision, often in a competitive context.

strategic choice

Focuses on the calculated and purposeful nature of the decision.

vital ruling

Implies the decision has authority and is essential.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "pivotal decision" in a sentence?

Use "pivotal decision" when you want to emphasize that a specific decision had a major impact or significantly altered the course of events. For example: "The CEO's decision to invest in renewable energy was a "pivotal decision" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "pivotal decision"?

You can use alternatives like "critical choice", "key determination", or "crucial resolution" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a pivotal decision that proved inconsequential"?

While grammatically correct, it's logically contradictory. A "pivotal decision" implies significant impact. Using "inconsequential" negates that implication. Consider rephrasing to clarify the unexpected lack of impact or to suggest the decision was wrongly believed to be pivotal.

What makes a decision "pivotal" rather than simply "important"?

A "pivotal decision" is more than just important; it represents a turning point. It has far-reaching consequences and significantly alters the direction or outcome of a situation. An "important decision" might be significant, but a "pivotal decision" is transformative.