pivotal point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pivotal point' is valid in written English.
It typically refers to a crucial or decisive moment in a situation, such as an event, discussion, or decision. For example, "The pivotal point came when the team was forced to make a decision about how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That was a pivotal point".

The New Yorker

"This is a pivotal point".

The Guardian

However, a pivotal point was left out.

The New York Times

This, Pavano said, was a pivotal point.

The New York Times - Sports

Jake, too, is at that pivotal point.

The New Yorker

"Australia is at a pivotal point.

The Guardian

"And that was a pivotal point.

The New York Times - Sports

This could very well be a pivotal point for us".

The New York Times - Sports

This was the pivotal point of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

That mistake came at a pivotal point in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't know it was such a pivotal point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "pivotal point" with clarifying context to ensure the audience understands why the moment is crucial. For example, specify what shifts or decisions hinge on this point.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal point" for trivial events; reserve it for situations where the outcome genuinely depends on the moment. Overuse diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal point" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific moment, stage, or aspect as being critically important. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivotal point" is a widely recognized noun phrase used to emphasize the critical nature of a moment, stage, or aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts underscores its versatility and importance across diverse communication styles. When writing, reserve "pivotal point" for genuinely crucial events to maintain its impact, and consider alternatives like "turning point" or "critical juncture" to avoid overuse. Understanding its proper usage enhances clarity and precision in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Emphasizes the time-sensitive and decisive nature of the point.

turning point

Highlights the shift or change that occurs as a result of the moment.

decisive moment

Focuses on the decision-making aspect and the impact of the moment.

crucial stage

Implies a process or development where this point is essential.

key milestone

Suggests progress and achievement associated with the point.

watershed moment

Indicates a significant event that marks a turning point in a situation or endeavor.

inflection point

Highlights a change in the trend or direction of something.

significant juncture

Emphasizes the importance and timing of the point.

important phase

Highlights that the point is a stage in a process and is of great value.

vital stage

Implies that this point is indispensable to the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "pivotal point" to describe a crucial moment in a story, a turning point in a negotiation, or a critical juncture in a project. For instance, "The team's decision to invest in new technology proved to be a "pivotal point" in their success".

What are some alternatives to "pivotal point"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "turning point", "critical juncture", or "decisive moment".

Is it better to say "pivotal moment" or "pivotal point"?

"Pivotal moment" and "pivotal point" are often interchangeable. "Pivotal moment" emphasizes the timing, while "pivotal point" can refer to a stage or aspect that is crucial. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as a "pivotal point"?

When something is described as a "pivotal point", it signifies that it is a crucial or decisive stage that has a significant impact on future outcomes. It suggests that what happens at this point will greatly influence subsequent events.