pivotal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivotal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is crucial or essential in a particular context or situation. Example: "The pivotal thing in our strategy is to focus on customer satisfaction to drive sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The most pivotal thing that could happen between now and Election Day is beyond the control of either presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Three days after he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, Mr. Kerry, along with President Bush, received a bracing reminder about how the fear of another terrorist attack on American soil had shaped the contest and about how the most pivotal thing that could happen between now and Election Day was beyond the control of either campaign.

The New York Times

But the pivotal thing – the thing that makes the magic happen – takes place before anything goes in the pot at all: The dolsot is coated with sesame oil and heated on the stove so that the rice continues to cook and crackle invitingly after it has been brought to the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a pivotal thing," Flowers said of the ruling. .

Huffington Post

And that's this woman talking us through the devastation of her home, which is burnt in a fire and becomes this pivotal thing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Similarly, New Hampshire and its four electoral college votes could be pivotal if things are really close elsewhere — but again, things would have to fall exactly the right way for it to be the pivot point tonight.

The New Yorker

One other thing Pivotal has brought to the project is the concept of the Cloud Foundry Dojo.

TechCrunch

We can look for a single, pivotal instance when things changed for the better, but to do so would ignore the work that has gone into turning things around as far as they have (which is to say that this is the end of the first phase of the redevelopment of the England team).

The Guardian - Sport

"It is my sense that it is a pivotal time in this thing," Mr. Brewster said.

The New York Times

That, at this possibly pivotal moment, the only thing that is certain about any of the available ways forward is the uncertainty of the result, seems to be among the most important lessons our children should carry with them in their memories of this moment in what will someday be their history.

The New York Times

While most of the debate nationally still revolves around why the economy remains so pathetic, there are several pivotal states — Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Virginia — where things are slowly turning around.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pivotal thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes it so critical. For example, specify the consequences or outcomes linked to this thing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "pivotal thing" for minor details; reserve it for genuinely game-changing elements or moments. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal thing" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "pivotal" modifies the noun "thing". It indicates something of critical importance or influence within a given situation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political campaigns to culinary arts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Lifestyle

10%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pivotal thing" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to emphasize something of critical importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. Although not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as the New York Times and The Guardian, mostly within news and media contexts. Alternatives like "important thing" or "crucial point" can be used for variety. When deploying "pivotal thing", ensure the context clearly articulates the reasons behind its importance to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seminal thing

Replaces "pivotal" with "seminal", suggesting something highly influential in later developments.

important thing

Substitutes "pivotal" with "important", indicating significance or consequence.

critical aspect

Changes "thing" to "aspect", emphasizing a particular feature or element.

essential element

Replaces both words to highlight a necessary component.

crucial point

Changes the noun to "point", focusing on a specific moment or idea.

key factor

Replaces both words to denote a significant influence.

decisive factor

Substitutes with "decisive factor", emphasizing that something settles an issue.

primary concern

Shifts focus to something of utmost worry or interest.

vital component

Highlights the indispensable nature of a particular part.

central element

Replaces with "central element", indicating core or fundamental importance.

FAQs

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

Use "pivotal thing" to describe something essential or crucial in a particular context. For example, "The most pivotal thing that could happen is beyond our control."

What can I say instead of "pivotal thing"?

You can use alternatives like "important thing", "crucial point", or "key factor" depending on the context.

Is "pivotal thing" formal or informal?

"Pivotal thing" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, often appearing in news and analytical writing. It is less common in casual conversation.

What makes something a "pivotal thing"?

A "pivotal thing" is something that significantly influences the outcome or direction of events. It is more than just important; it is transformative or decisive.