point of civilization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of civilization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant aspect or milestone in the development of human society or culture. Example: "The invention of the wheel marked a crucial point of civilization that transformed transportation and trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He is prone to mordant observation, as in: "The point of civilization is so that one can check in to a quality hotel".

The New York Times - Books

He thought that the belief that social change could make people healthier or happier was deluded; that is the point of "Civilization and Its Discontents".

The New Yorker

It did not occur to him that the personal liberty of negroes and Indians alike was sacred, and that in point of civilization there was little difference between the two races.

The New York Times

Rider Haggard, Fawcett's friend, had obtained it from someone in Brazil and given it to Fawcett, who believed that it was a relic of Z. Then the three Englishmen were on their way again, heading east, toward Bakairí Post, where in 1920 the Brazilian government had set up a garrison — "the last point of civilization," as the settlers referred to it.

The New Yorker

Some stations observe the same time zone as the closet or last point of civilization.

Forbes

All visitors must be on a group tour to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which means that only a few visitors make it as far as the town of Taplejung, the last point of civilization (which itself is gradually recovering from a deadly and destructive earthquake that hit in September 2011).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The final point of liberal civilization is the false and corrupt state that has occupied Jerusalem," the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said on Iranian television last week.

The New Yorker

The 13th century was an age of fresh endeavour and splendid maturity in the realms of philosophy, theology, and art, and it has traditionally been regarded as the high point of medieval civilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The murals, in the soaring, Walker Art Building's rotunda, are "designed to inspire," as Bowdoin considered "art a high point of Western Civilization".

Huffington Post

The murals, in the soaring, Walker Art Building's rotunda, are "designed to inspire," as Bowdoin considered "art a high point of Western Civilization". Bowdoin Museum of Art certainly is a high point among college museums, and very much worth visiting.

HuffPost

Which is, in a way, the point: The end of civilization isn't something we should be preparing bunkers for, it's something we should be striving to avert and getting ready to remediate when the signs get bad.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point of civilization", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific aspect or development is being highlighted as significant for societal advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "point of civilization" without specifying which point you are referring to. Vague usage diminishes the phrase's impact. For instance, instead of stating, "Technology is a point of civilization", be specific: "The development of sanitation systems represents a crucial point of civilization, directly impacting public health and lifespan."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of civilization" functions as a noun phrase that typically identifies a crucial element, achievement, or turning point in the development or understanding of a civilization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "point of civilization" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase, albeit uncommon, that serves to emphasize a significant element or milestone in the development of human society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, science and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "hallmark of civilization" or "cornerstone of civilization" can be considered for variety. Ensure that the chosen alternative maintains the intended meaning within the specific context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hallmark of civilization

Replaces 'point' with 'hallmark', emphasizing a defining characteristic.

cornerstone of civilization

Indicates a fundamental and indispensable part of civilization.

defining aspect of civilization

Replaces 'point' with 'defining aspect', highlighting a crucial feature.

key characteristic of civilization

Highlights a distinctive feature of a civilization.

critical juncture in civilization

Emphasizes a decisive moment in the development of civilization.

benchmark of civilization

Implies a standard or measure of civilized progress.

essential element of civilization

Focuses on a necessary component for a civilized society.

pinnacle of civilization

Highlights the highest level or achievement of civilization.

stage of civilized development

Focuses on the advancement of a civilization.

achievement of civilization

Underscores a significant accomplishment within a civilization.

FAQs

How can I use "point of civilization" in a sentence?

You can use "point of civilization" to refer to a significant aspect or milestone in the development of human society. For example: "The invention of writing was a crucial point of civilization."

What are some alternatives to "point of civilization"?

Alternatives include "hallmark of civilization", "cornerstone of civilization", or "defining aspect of civilization", depending on the specific context.

Is "point in civilization" grammatically correct instead of "point of civilization"?

"Point in civilization" isn't a common or established phrase. "Point of civilization" is the idiomatic and grammatically accepted way to express a key element or stage in civilization's development.

What distinguishes "point of civilization" from "stage of civilization"?

"Point of civilization" emphasizes a specific feature, achievement, or aspect. "Stage of civilized development" refers to a period or phase in the overall progression of a civilization.