pivotal turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

"pivotal turning point" is a valid phrase that is widely used in written English.
It is used to describe a key moment in a story, plot, or situation that leads to a major transformation or change. For example: "When John finally made the decision to leave his company job and pursue a new career path, it marked a pivotal turning point in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Labour has pulled ahead as "best on the economy" in the polls, which may prove a pivotal turning point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, the pivotal turning point in Bhumika's career was seizing this cultural space and occupying it on her own terms.

The Guardian

Russia's decision, in 2015, to provide air power to Assad is widely considered the pivotal turning point for the regime, which has now defied steep odds to hold on to power.

The New Yorker

Their world is so profoundly different from any generation before them that we might actually treat this generation as a pivotal turning point in how we historically discuss society.

Forbes

It is an exciting time to be involved in food hospitality; future generations will look back and see the advent of this smart dining era as a pivotal turning point in the restaurant industry's long and storied history.

TechCrunch

The find, researchers say, suggests that during the advent of agriculture a pivotal turning point that prehistorians call the Neolithic Revolution early farmers may have come together first to engage in communal activities, and only later did they begin living together.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

This mechanism can help technicians anticipate pivotal turning points if they know when to watch out for them.

Forbes

Historic Dockyard (023-9272 8060; historic dockyard.co.uk; £28, child £21, family £78.40 valid for one year; open daily) Military marvels This year sees the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and Portsmouth is home to the D-Day Museum, the UK's only venue dedicated to this pivotal event – the turning point in the Second World War.

Independent

That it might have been "the pivotal moment, the turning point that set in train the fateful sequence of events that would eventually lead the world into depression," is in no way trivialized by Mr. Ahamed's emphasis on Norman's peculiar personal style.

The New York Times - Books

The workshops were a turning point, a pivotal event in the life of the firm.

Harvard Business Review

And 2016 could be a pivotal, historic year -- a turning point year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivotal turning point" to emphasize a moment of significant and lasting change. Ensure the context clearly indicates the before-and-after state.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal turning point" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key turning point" or "watershed moment" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal turning point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a crucial moment of change. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a key moment leading to a major transformation. It is commonly used to highlight the significance of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pivotal turning point" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a crucial moment of significant change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights key events leading to major transformations across various fields. While widely accepted, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "key turning point" or "watershed moment" can enhance writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science & Research, denoting its relevance in describing important shifts in these areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key turning point

Emphasizes the importance of the turning point.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness of the moment.

watershed moment

Implies a significant shift with lasting consequences.

decisive moment

Focuses on the impact of the decision made at that time.

inflection point

Suggests a change in trajectory or direction.

turning of the tide

Evokes a reversal of fortune or circumstance.

game changer

Highlights the transformative impact of the event.

point of no return

Emphasizes the irreversibility of the change.

tipping point

Indicates a threshold beyond which significant change occurs.

historic turning point

Highlights the historical significance of the moment.

FAQs

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

Use "pivotal turning point" to describe a specific moment or event that marks a significant change in a situation or narrative. For example, "The discovery of penicillin was a pivotal turning point in the history of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "pivotal turning point"?

You can use alternatives like "key turning point", "critical juncture", or "watershed moment" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a moment qualify as a "pivotal turning point"?

A "pivotal turning point" is characterized by its ability to significantly alter the course of events, leading to lasting changes or consequences. It often represents a point of no return or a decisive shift in direction.

Is "pivotal turning point" redundant since 'pivotal' and 'turning point' are similar?

While both words imply significance, "pivotal turning point" emphasizes both the critical nature (pivotal) and the transformative aspect (turning point) of the moment. The phrase is widely accepted and used to highlight a particularly important shift.