pivotal juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

"pivotal juncture" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a moment of important decision-making or change. For example, "At this pivotal juncture in her career, she had to choose between two very different paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Looking back, Davids realized this was a pivotal juncture.

Cornell University

The BP disaster comes at a pivotal juncture for the American trial bar.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is a pivotal juncture in the career of Iverson.

The New York Times - Sports

Ellis described for me an encounter with Dean at a pivotal juncture, four months before the bill was signed.

The New Yorker

Yet as Mr. Ballmer navigates this pivotal juncture in his company's 31-year history, he remains a visceral optimist.

The New York Times

Both Karolyi and Nelson stressed how vital a forum such as this one is at such a pivotal juncture in history.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The MIT EMBA is designed for mid-career executives poised at pivotal junctures in their careers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The game turned at two pivotal junctures in the second period.

The New York Times - Sports

The MIT Executive MBA is a rigorous 20-month executive-schedule MBA program designed for mid-career executives poised at pivotal junctures in their careers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The first "lost" book, "A Sad Revelation," begins at one of the story's pivotal junctures, the hero's return to Ithaca.

The New York Times - Books

His unadorned factual accounts have supplied many other authors and reporters with an invaluable record of what happened and what was said at pivotal junctures during this presidency.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivotal juncture" to emphasize the importance of a specific moment in time, especially when a decision or change is about to occur. It adds a formal and slightly elevated tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal juncture" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "key moment" or "turning point" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal juncture" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific point in time characterized by its significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivotal juncture" is a common noun phrase used to describe a crucial moment or turning point. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and academic contexts. When writing, it's best to use "pivotal juncture" in formal settings to convey the gravity and importance of a particular situation. For more casual writing, consider alternatives such as "critical moment" or "turning point". Remember that the key to effectively using "pivotal juncture" lies in understanding its register and employing it appropriately to emphasize the significance of a specific point in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical moment

Replaces 'juncture' with 'moment', emphasizing the importance of the point in time.

turning point

Indicates a significant shift or change in direction.

decisive moment

Stresses the importance of the moment in determining future outcomes.

key moment

Highlights the importance of a specific point in time.

important stage

Focuses on the progress and development aspect of the situation.

crucial stage

Emphasizes the high importance of a stage in the development.

significant phase

Highlights the importance of the phase or period.

watershed moment

Indicates a turning point with lasting consequences.

tipping point

Suggests a point where a small change leads to a significant effect.

inflection point

Highlights a change in the curvature of a graph, metaphorically referring to a change in trend or direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "pivotal juncture" to describe a moment of significant change or decision. For example, "This is a pivotal juncture in the company's history" or "The negotiation reached a pivotal juncture when both parties agreed to compromise".

What can I say instead of "pivotal juncture"?

You can use alternatives like "critical moment", "turning point", or "decisive moment" depending on the context.

Is "pivotal moment" the same as "pivotal juncture"?

While similar, "pivotal moment" generally refers to a specific instant, whereas "pivotal juncture" implies a convergence of factors leading to a crucial point or decision. "Critical moment" may be used as a substitute for both expressions.

Is it appropriate to use "pivotal juncture" in formal writing?

Yes, "pivotal juncture" is well-suited for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts. It conveys a sense of importance and gravity.