pivotal element

USAGE SUMMARY

'pivotal element' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is very important, a key factor. For example: The internet has become a pivotal element in today's society, allowing us to connect with people all over the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The game was also a pivotal element of their first face-to-face meeting.

The New York Times - Tech

A pivotal element would be an amnesty for liberation army fighters, who would otherwise not hand in their weapons.

The New York Times

They believed that the pivotal element of a movie was the script and so the financing wasn't at all dependent on who was in it.

The New York Times

The exchanges are a pivotal element of Obamacare because through them poorer families can shop for affordable health insurance with the help of federal subsidies in the form of tax credits.

The Guardian

Also at stake is legislation that would give China permanent normal trading relations with the United States, a pivotal element if American businesses are to benefit from China's requested membership in the World Trade Organization.

The New York Times

The island's political status was a pivotal element in the financial crisis that reached a crescendo at the end of June 2015, when Gov. Alejandro García Padilla announced that Puerto Rico could no longer meet its debt obligations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Its decommissioning and the renunciation of violence had been pivotal elements of the negotiations that led to peace and power-sharing in Northern Ireland, and Robinson's protest came in response to the proof of the organization's ongoing existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Macronutrients are pivotal elements for proper plant growth and development.

Rice

A J2EE-based architecture and some pivotal elements are used to construct this portal.

International Journal of Production Economics

Immune receptors are pivotal elements of the plant immune system that act as sentinels for microbial invasion.

Current Opinion in Plant Biology

A successful further development of the SLE will require a good grasp of the context – but, what are the pivotal elements in the different architectures; and even more importantly, what are the pedagogical principles that are supported by each framework?

Smart Learning Environments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivotal element" to emphasize the crucial nature of a specific component or factor within a larger system or process. For stronger impact, avoid overusing it within the same piece of writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal element" when describing something of minor importance. Ensure the element genuinely has a significant impact or role to justify the phrase's strong emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal element" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the critical importance of a particular component or factor within a system or process. Ludwig shows many examples of the phrase being used to single out a specific factor as being essential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “pivotal element” is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that singles out something as being of utmost importance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in Science and News & Media sources, showing its broad applicability across different forms of writing. When using this expression, make sure that the “pivotal element” actually deserves that degree of importance or you may risk sounding hyperbolic. Alternative expressions include "key component", "essential aspect", or "critical factor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key component

Replaces "pivotal" with "key" and "element" with "component", focusing on essential parts.

essential aspect

Substitutes "pivotal" with "essential" and "element" with "aspect", highlighting a necessary feature.

critical factor

Changes "pivotal" to "critical" and "element" to "factor", stressing a deciding influence.

vital ingredient

Replaces "pivotal element" with a metaphor, emphasizing the necessary addition for a successful outcome.

central aspect

Focuses on the centrality of the element, indicating its importance.

cornerstone

Uses a metaphor to describe the foundational nature of the element.

linchpin

Employs a metaphor to indicate the element holds everything together.

fundamental part

Highlights the foundational nature of the element.

indispensable piece

Emphasizes that the element cannot be done without.

significant aspect

Highlights the importance of the element.

FAQs

How can I use "pivotal element" in a sentence?

Use "pivotal element" to highlight a key factor or component. For example, "Effective communication is a "pivotal element" in successful teamwork".

What's a good alternative to "pivotal element"?

Alternatives include "key component", "essential aspect", or "critical factor", depending on the specific context.

Is "pivotal element" too formal for casual writing?

While "pivotal element" is appropriate for formal and professional contexts, consider using a simpler phrase like "key part" or "important thing" for more informal writing.

What makes something a "pivotal element" rather than just an important one?

A "pivotal element" is not just important; it's crucial for success or change. Without it, the outcome would be significantly different. It acts as a lynchpin or "cornerstone".