pivotal text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivotal text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a text that is crucial or central to a particular topic, argument, or field of study. Example: "In her thesis, she analyzed the pivotal text that shaped modern literary theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the absence of scholarly consensus on these controversial matters, The Interesting Narrative remains a pivotal text in portraying Africa as neither morally benighted nor culturally backward but rather as a model of social harmony defiled by Euro-American greed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most central and pivotal text in Shaktidharma is the Devi Mahatmya (also known as the Durga Saptashati, Chandi or Chandi-Path), composed some 1,600 years ago.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The pivotal legal text related to HTA in England is the Directions of the Secretary of State [4], which defines the purpose of the NICE, i.e. to conduct appraisals and develop guidelines.

Health Economics Review

The Constitution -- the so-called Grundgesetz, or Basic Law, approved in 1949 at the foundation of the Federal Republic -- has become a text of pivotal importance to German identity.

The New York Times

It encourages students to slow down and think about the meaning of pivotal moments in a text, as well as consider the viewpoints of different characters.

The New York Times

Text is where the journey towards system begins; and the concept of text is pivotal to validating the categories of register.

Functional Linguistics

In Section 2, we recall some basic definitions of fractional calculus, establish some lemmas and use symbols to replace with some formula which plays a pivotal role in the text.

Boundary Value Problems

This technique can help students to understand characters, pivotal scenes or events in a text, or even themes or complex ideas.

The New York Times

But there is some support for this response even in Pascal's own text, again at the pivotal claim that "[r]eason can decide nothing here.

SEP

In this context, the differing difficulty of the individual deletions is pivotal, rather than being a challenge to text reliability (as noted by Brown 2013).

Language Testing in Asia

The long-neglected Mohist dialectical texts appeared to be records of a pivotal episode in that development.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pivotal text", ensure that the text truly represents a turning point or a central element in the context you're describing. Provide evidence or explanation to support this claim.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal text" to describe a text that is merely important or relevant, but does not represent a fundamental change or critical element. Reserve the phrase for texts that truly hold a central or decisive role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal text" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'pivotal' modifies 'text'. It indicates a text's central or decisive importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and denotes a text that plays a crucial role in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivotal text" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a text of central importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be utilized across various contexts. Though not overly common, its usage is appropriate for emphasizing the crucial nature of a text. Consider using alternative phrases like "key text" or "essential text" to add variety to your writing. While predominantly neutral in register, its meaning remains consistent: to underscore the decisive role a text plays within a specific field or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key text

Focuses on the essential nature of the text.

essential text

Highlights the indispensability of the text.

crucial text

Emphasizes the decisive importance of the text.

significant text

Indicates the text's notable impact or influence.

central text

Highlights the text's position as a core element.

foundational text

Stresses the text's role as a basis for further development.

influential text

Draws attention to the text's power to affect beliefs or actions.

important text

Indicates the text's general value or relevance.

determinative text

Highlights text's role in making a final decision or judgement.

cornerstone text

Suggests that the text is a fundamental element on which something else will be built.

FAQs

What does "pivotal text" mean?

The phrase "pivotal text" refers to a text that is of crucial importance or significance, often acting as a turning point or a central element in a particular context or field of study.

What are some alternatives to "pivotal text"?

You can use alternatives such as "key text", "essential text", or "crucial text" to convey a similar meaning.

How do I use "pivotal text" in a sentence?

You can use "pivotal text" to describe a document, book, or article that is central to understanding a specific topic. For example: "The Devi Mahatmya is considered a "pivotal text" in Shaktidharma."

Is "pivotal text" formal or informal?

"Pivotal text" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter and the audience. However, it's more common in academic and professional writing.