reached a turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

"reached a turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a change in the direction or progress of something. For example: "The team reached a turning point after their coach made some key adjustments to their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, about a year ago, she reached a turning point when visiting her hepatitis C specialist.

The New York Times

But maybe we've reached a turning point.

The New York Times

"I'm certainly cautious about saying we've reached a turning point.

The New York Times

Ten years ago Latin American history reached a turning point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their relationship reached a turning point in summer 2010.

The New York Times

But she feels like she's reached a turning point.

The Guardian - Film

Around 2011, Mr. Singer's life had reached a turning point.

The New York Times

At 50, Van Damme reached a turning point.

The New York Times

"We have reached a turning point," he said.

The New York Times

In between 1914 and 1915, her career reached a turning point.

Columbia University

If he is right, Rio may just have reached a turning point.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reached a turning point", ensure the context clearly explains what changed and what the implications are. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reached a turning point" for minor setbacks or trivial changes. The phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for moments with substantial, lasting impact. A minor setback is not a turning point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached a turning point" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a significant moment of change or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal transformations to global events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reached a turning point" is a versatile and widely recognized phrase used to denote a moment of significant change or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of pivotal moments. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's suitable for a range of formal and informal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for moments with substantial impact and avoid using it for minor setbacks. Alternatives such as ""arrived at a crossroads"" or ""came to a watershed moment"" can offer similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked a turning point

Highlights the significance and decisiveness of the event.

came to a watershed moment

Suggests a significant event after which things will not be the same.

faced a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the moment.

found itself at a critical point

Focuses on the criticality of the decision that has to be made.

arrived at a crossroads

Implies a moment of decision where different paths or options become apparent.

entered a new phase

Indicates the beginning of a distinct period or stage.

hit a milestone

Focuses on achievement and progress rather than a change in direction.

experienced a shift

Highlights a change in position, direction, or focus.

underwent a transformation

Suggests a profound and fundamental change in nature or form.

saw a breakthrough

Emphasizes a sudden advance or discovery that overcomes an obstacle.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached a turning point" to describe a moment of significant change, such as "The company "reached a turning point" when it decided to focus on sustainable practices".

What can I say instead of "reached a turning point"?

You can use alternatives like "arrived at a crossroads", "faced a critical juncture", or "came to a watershed moment" depending on the specific context.

Is "reached a turning point" formal or informal language?

"Reached a turning point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use depends more on the gravity of the situation being described than the setting.

What's the difference between "reached a turning point" and "hit a milestone"?

"Reached a turning point" implies a change in direction or approach, while "hit a milestone" indicates the completion of a significant stage in a process. They are not interchangeable.