pointed moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointed moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific time or instance that is significant or has a clear focus. Example: "During the meeting, there was a pointed moment when the CEO addressed the company's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Ms. Stewart relies on understatement except for one pointed moment of high drama, an all-stops-pulled rendition of "Fifty Percent," from the musical "Ballroom".

The New York Times - Arts

TUCKED inside "Love Actually," the new cinematic ode to happy endings from the British director Richard Curtis, lies a pointed moment of wishful political thinking.

The New York Times

In the most dramatically pointed moment, she gave "One Hallowe'en," Eve Harrington's defiant anthem from "Applause," the 1970 show based on "All About Eve," a scary edge of demonic ferocity.

The New York Times - Arts

There was, however, one pointed moment when he reflected on the phone call from the interim manager, Stuart Pearce, that was the prelude to his first involvement since last September.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a pointed moment when Mark Antony, picking up a severed head from the battlefield, casually tosses it as though it were no more than a rugby ball at Octavius Caesar – a detail that seems to sum up the production's rueful take on the dehumanising cost of civil strife.

Independent

Yet the most symbolic and pointed moment occurred when the Aboriginal sprinter Cathy Freeman, a gold-medal favorite in the 400 meters, was chosen to light the Olympic caldron, which lifted a ring of fire from a pool of water and ascended to the top of Olympic Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Without him, this series will probably not have the same edge, although the Knicks and the Pacers had some pointed moments this season in splitting four games.

The New York Times - Sports

The script's most controversial innovation, however, was a series of "flash forwards", inserted at pointed moments in the action, following "older" Leo's return visit to Marian.

The Guardian - Books

After that crunching start, things got a bit more civil, sad to report, but there were still some pointed moments at Mitt's expense.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the most pointed moments came in several taped segments, where Mr. O'Brien played a crazed, bald, bespectacled network executive who seemed one part NBC programmer and one part Ernst Blofeld of James Bond fame.

The New York Times - Arts

Matt Fowler of IGN called Jerry's presentation "one of the best, most pointed moments of crude humor that we've ever seen on the show".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pointed moment" to draw attention to a specific event or instance that carries significant meaning or impact within a larger context.

Common error

Avoid overusing "pointed moment" for minor or insignificant events, as it can dilute its impact when referring to truly crucial instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointed moment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "pointed" modifies the noun "moment". It describes a specific instance or occasion that is particularly noteworthy, significant, or impactful, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Arts

19%

Sports

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pointed moment" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively highlights specific instances of significance, particularly in news, arts, and sports contexts. While not exceedingly common, it carries a neutral register suitable for analytical writing. Consider alternatives like "significant instance" to vary your language and avoid overuse. When employing this phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects a moment of clear importance to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant instance

Replaces "moment" with a more formal term, emphasizing importance.

crucial juncture

Highlights the decisiveness of the event.

notable occasion

Focuses on the remarkableness of the event.

striking instance

Emphasizes the impressiveness of the moment.

remarkable event

Stresses the unusual or outstanding nature of what happened.

key development

Highlights the importance of the event as a turning point.

critical phase

Implies the event is part of a larger, important process.

pivotal time

Focuses on the turning point aspect of the moment.

important episode

Frames the moment as a distinct part of a larger narrative.

defining event

Highlights the long-term impact and significance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pointed moment" in a sentence?

Use "pointed moment" to highlight a specific event or statement that is particularly significant or revealing within a larger context. For example: "There was a "pointed moment" during the debate when the candidate addressed the issue of climate change".

What phrases can I use instead of "pointed moment"?

You can use alternatives like "significant instance", "crucial juncture", or "notable occasion" depending on the context.

Is "pointed moment" formal or informal?

The phrase "pointed moment" is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, such as news reporting or analytical writing. It might be less appropriate in very casual conversation.

What makes a "pointed moment" different from a regular moment?

A "pointed moment" stands out due to its particular relevance, clarity, or impact, often serving to emphasize a key issue or turning point. It's more than just a moment in time; it's a moment with specific significance.