pivotal difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivotal difference" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is significant and crucial to the outcome of a given situation or process. For example, you could say, "The pivotal difference between the two candidates is their stance on healthcare policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But there is one pivotal difference this year.

The New York Times - Sports

The pivotal difference between the two New Zealanders is this.

The Guardian - Sport

Of all variables, the age at marriage may be the pivotal difference between red and blue families.

The New Yorker

LATINOS might have made the pivotal difference in Tuesday's election, especially in battlegrounds like Nevada, Colorado, Florida and Virginia.

The New York Times

Perhaps the pivotal difference this year, particularly for the United States team, is the absence of the full-time residency program that was in use before the previous three Women's World Cups.

The New York Times - Sports

In the end, Jordan provided a pivotal difference when he took a missed put-back by Williams and outran Kerry Kittles downcourt to score on a layup with 53.9 seconds left, giving the Bulls a 98-94 lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Will Harrel Houston, Dec. 6, 2008 • To the Editor: As someone who lived through the Vietnam War and saw friends and family shipped overseas, it strikes me that one of the pivotal differences between then and now is the lack of a military draft.

The New York Times

What may on the surface seem like chance encounters that create pivotal differences for people are actually situations directly related to people's willingness to have the humility to believe that anyone in a "chance" encounter may be able to help them in unknown ways.

Harvard Business Review

But super fans of the book may notice some pivotal differences between the novel and the screen version of the beloved story.

Huffington Post

46 Hence, all these investigations show limited evidence of pivotal differences between various drug classes; treatment success is dependent on which collateral outcome is preferred.

Clinical interventions in aging

This work was aimed at investigating the structural properties of the cataract-causing codon 24 mutant of HgD at the atomic level, and we uncovered distinctive and possibly pivotal differences in a local area around the substitution.

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pivotal difference", ensure you clearly articulate what makes the difference significant and how it impacts the situation or outcome being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal difference" when the distinction is minor or inconsequential. Reserve it for situations where the difference genuinely has a substantial impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal difference" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a specific distinction as being critically important or decisive. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is used to describe something significant and crucial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pivotal difference" is used to highlight a distinction that is critically important, often determining an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register suitable for professional communications as well. Understanding its usage and appropriate alternatives, such as "key distinction" and "crucial difference", allows for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Critical distinction

Emphasizes the importance of the distinction being made.

Key distinction

Highlights the distinction as being essential or fundamental.

Crucial difference

Stresses the importance of the difference to the outcome.

Essential distinction

Highlights that the distinction is necessary or indispensable.

Vital distinction

Underscores the life-or-death importance of the difference.

Significant difference

Indicates a noticeable and meaningful variation.

Decisive factor

Focuses on the difference as a determining element.

Determining factor

Highlights the role of the difference in influencing the result.

Primary divergence

Emphasizes the separation or deviation as being fundamental.

Central variation

Highlights the variation as being a key aspect.

FAQs

How to use "pivotal difference" in a sentence?

Use "pivotal difference" to emphasize a key factor that significantly influences an outcome, such as, "The "pivotal difference" between the two strategies lies in their approach to risk management."

What can I say instead of "pivotal difference"?

You can use alternatives like "key distinction", "crucial difference", or "essential distinction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "important difference" or "pivotal difference"?

"Pivotal difference" implies a more critical and decisive impact than "important difference". Choose "pivotal" when the difference is truly game-changing.

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

While both highlight significant distinctions, ""pivotal difference"" suggests that the difference is crucial for determining an outcome, whereas "key difference" simply identifies an important distinction.