pivoting on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pivoting on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe an action or decision that is based on a particular point or idea. For example, "The company's marketing strategy is pivoting on an increased focus on digital channels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first, the "James Brown," involves pivoting on one heel and the opposite toe, a move that seemed too complicated to figure out in the time allotted.

The New York Times - Arts

You can even do basic kick turns while riding boarder style by pivoting on one end of the board similar to skateboarding.

WikiHow

What would I give today in order to be able, during a tango performance, to kick the scruff of my neck with my right foot, while gingerly pivoting on my left one?

Huffington Post

An axial load of 22.7 kg (50 pounds) was applied to the specimen, and then the femoral head was internally rotated through a 90° arc over one second to simulate pivoting on a planted foot (Fig. 2).

Bone and Joint Research

Scully and Mulder, Mulder and Scully — pivoting on that central ul, you can begin with one name and end with the other: Mully.

Los Angeles Times

Sometimes these stories can turn dark, pivoting on incest or suicide.

The Guardian - Books

The rest was history: a series potentially pivoting on a dunk that missed, a game that unraveled.

The New York Times - Sports

"He seems to be pivoting on virtually everything else, and I don't put him down for that.

The New York Times

But she spent less time on point than pivoting on her knees in Mr. Kylian's celebrated no-cartilage style.

The New York Times - Arts

I looked up at her, pivoting on my toes until my knees were parallel with her legs.

The New Yorker

Instead of pivoting on and strengthening the historic JCP brand, Johnson's decided to recreate the Target and Apple wheel, a move akin to Toyota suddenly deciding it's Porsche.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivoting on" to indicate that a situation, decision, or argument critically depends on a specific factor or point. For example, "The success of the project is pivoting on securing additional funding."

Common error

Avoid using "pivoting on" when you simply mean to emphasize a focus area. "Pivoting on" suggests a critical dependence, whereas "focusing on" indicates a point of emphasis without the same level of contingency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivoting on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating dependence or reliance. It sets up a relationship where one thing is contingent or determined by another. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this structure is often used to highlight a crucial element that influences a decision or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pivoting on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies critical dependence or reliance. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, suggesting a broad applicability across various registers, from neutral to professional. To ensure correct usage, writers should note the difference between "pivoting on" and "focusing on", understanding that the former implies contingency while the latter simply indicates emphasis. By using alternatives like "depending on" or "hinging on", writers can fine-tune the nuance of their expression. Overall, "pivoting on" is a versatile and reliable phrase for highlighting the crucial elements underpinning a strategy, decision, or narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on

Focuses on the conditional aspect of something being reliant on another factor.

hinging on

Emphasizes the critical importance of a single point or event.

revolving around

Highlights the central nature of a topic or idea.

centered on

Similar to revolving around but suggests a more static focus.

predicated on

Implies a foundation or basis upon which something is built.

based on

A more general term for something that is founded upon something else.

contingent on

Highlights the dependency of an outcome on a particular condition.

turning on

Suggests a critical juncture or point of change.

reliant on

Directly expresses dependence on something for success or function.

conditional on

Emphasizes that something will happen only if another condition is met.

FAQs

How can I use "pivoting on" in a sentence?

Use "pivoting on" to indicate that a decision, strategy, or outcome critically depends on a particular factor. For example, "The company's future is "pivoting on" the success of its new product line."

What are some alternatives to "pivoting on"?

Alternatives include "depending on", "hinging on", or "revolving around", each carrying slightly different nuances of reliance or centrality.

Is it correct to say "pivoting around" instead of "pivoting on"?

While similar, "pivoting around" and "pivoting on" aren't always interchangeable. "Pivoting on" suggests a critical dependency, whereas "pivoting around" indicates that something is central but not necessarily the sole determining factor.

What does "pivoting on" mean in the context of business?

In business, "pivoting on" often refers to a strategic shift that is critically dependent on a specific element, such as a new technology, market trend, or key partnership. It highlights the element that must succeed for the broader strategy to be successful.