pivotal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivotal time" is correct and is used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a crucial or important time period in a person's life or in history. Example: The years of World War II were a pivotal time in the history of the United States.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Staples' pivot to a pot-based company comes at a pivotal time.

Forbes

The vote comes at a pivotal time.

The New York Times

It is a pivotal time for Hulu.

The New York Times

It's a pivotal time for the university.

The New York Times

This call for support comes at a pivotal time.

The New York Times

"I think this will be a pivotal time," he said.

The New York Times

So how is Washington responding during this pivotal time?

The New York Times

At this pivotal time, the choice is too important.

The Washington Post

The deal comes at a pivotal time in the industry.

The New York Times

Clearly, it is a pivotal time for Danum Valley and its surrounding forests.

Yale University

Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigneuroscientistentist himself, said the gifts come at a pivotal time.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pivotal time", clearly articulate why the time is pivotal. Provide context and explain the factors that make it crucial for understanding the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal time" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the situation genuinely warrants the label by demonstrating the significant consequences linked to the period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "pivotal" modifies the noun "time". As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies a crucial or significant period. The examples show it used to describe important moments in history, business, and personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivotal time" is a frequently used phrase that highlights a period of significant importance and potential impact. Grammatically correct and versatile, it is suitable for various contexts, with a prevalence in news and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, providing numerous examples to illustrate its application. To use it effectively, ensure the context warrants the emphasis and clearly articulate why the time is indeed pivotal. Related phrases like "critical juncture" or "turning point" can offer nuanced alternatives. While highly versatile, avoid overuse without proper justification. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate a variety of real-world contexts and sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical juncture

Replaces "time" with a more formal noun emphasizing a point of decision.

turning point

Highlights the shift or change in direction that occurs during this time.

crucial moment

Substitutes "time" for "moment", emphasizing a specific point of importance.

decisive period

Emphasizes the impact of the period on future outcomes.

watershed moment

Implies a significant event that marks a clear division or change.

significant phase

Highlights the importance of the period as part of a larger process.

important stage

Focuses on the progression and the role of this time within it.

key period

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of importance.

essential stage

Underlines the necessity of this phase for achieving a desired outcome.

moment of truth

Emphasizes a crucial point where a decision or outcome will be revealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "pivotal time" to describe periods of significant change or decision. For example, "The invention of the printing press marked a "pivotal time" in the history of communication."

What are some alternatives to "pivotal time"?

Alternatives include "critical juncture", "turning point", or "crucial moment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "pivotal time" a formal or informal expression?

"Pivotal time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What makes a time "pivotal"?

A time is considered "pivotal" when events, decisions, or developments during that period have a significant and lasting impact, fundamentally altering the course of future events.