represent a turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "represent a turning point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant change or moment of transition in a situation or narrative. Example: "The signing of the peace treaty represented a turning point in the long-standing conflict between the two nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The children's books represent a turning point.

The New York Times - Arts

Cologne may represent a turning point for Merkel herself.

The Guardian

Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday could represent a turning point.

The New York Times

The project also seems to represent a turning point of sorts for Mr. Gehry.

The New York Times - Arts

Tavares hopes the comeback will represent a turning point: the Islanders had dropped five consecutive games.

The New York Times - Sports

In some ways Mr. Baumann's retirement and death represent a turning point in the development of the modern circus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The verdict seemed to represent a turning point--a white man had been convicted of a crime against blacks.

Huffington Post

The class of '74 represented a turning point for Democrats, with liberal, reform-minded representatives getting elected from the West and Northeast, which had previously been GOP strongholds.

Huffington Post

It represents a turning point for Android, Mr. Brin said.

The New York Times

The results of both banks represented a turning point for their mortgage business.

The New York Times

Mr. Mesnick, who had competed on "The Bachelorette," represented a turning point for the franchise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "represent a turning point" when you want to highlight a specific moment that marks a significant change in direction, progress, or understanding. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is changing and why the moment is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "represent a turning point" when the situation merely involves a minor adjustment or a temporary fluctuation. Ensure the change is substantial and has lasting implications before characterizing it as a turning point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "represent a turning point" functions as a predicate within a sentence. It describes a subject's action or state of being, specifically that the subject signifies a significant moment of change. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "represent a turning point" is a phrase used to describe a significant moment of change. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and it is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it is essential to ensure that the context warrants such a strong characterization, avoiding its use for minor adjustments. Consider alternatives like ""mark a watershed moment"" or ""signify a pivotal juncture"" for varying degrees of formality and nuance. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use this phrase to highlight key transformative moments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mark a watershed moment

This alternative emphasizes the idea of a clear division between what came before and what comes after, similar to a turning point but with a stronger sense of historical significance.

signify a pivotal juncture

This phrase uses more formal language to indicate a crucial moment or intersection of events, highlighting the importance of the decision made.

constitute a critical juncture

This option is slightly more formal and emphasizes the decisiveness and importance of the moment.

herald a new era

This suggests that something is signaling the start of a completely new period or phase, implying a more significant and lasting change than just a turning point.

be a game changer

This is a more informal way of saying something significantly alters the current situation, like a turning point but with a focus on impact.

become a transformative event

This phrase highlights the potential for profound and lasting change resulting from the event, emphasizing the depth of the transformation.

signal a paradigm shift

This alternative indicates a fundamental change in the underlying assumptions or frameworks, suggesting a more radical alteration than a simple turning point.

portend a sea change

This implies a sweeping and comprehensive transformation, often referring to societal or cultural shifts, indicating a greater magnitude than just a turning point.

mark a major shift

This is a simpler and more direct way of indicating a significant change in direction or emphasis.

initiate a transition phase

This phrase explicitly refers to the start of a period of change, focusing on the process rather than the specific moment of turning.

FAQs

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

You can use "represent a turning point" to describe a moment that signifies a significant shift. For instance: "The new policy "represents a turning point" in the company's approach to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "represent a turning point"?

Alternatives include "mark a watershed moment", "signify a pivotal juncture", or "herald a new era", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "represent a turning point" in formal writing?

Yes, "represent a turning point" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant shifts or changes in direction. However, consider more formal alternatives like "signify a pivotal juncture" for particularly academic contexts.

What's the difference between "represent a turning point" and "mark a major shift"?

"Represent a turning point" implies a specific moment that changes the direction, while "mark a major shift" suggests a more gradual or general change in emphasis or approach. The former is more decisive, the latter more evolutionary.