seminal event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seminal event" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event that is important and influential, usually one that marks a change in a course of history or sets an example for future events. Example: The Watergate scandal was a seminal event in American history that brought about major reforms to the government.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I certainly think Watergate was a seminal event.

The New York Times

"It's sort of a seminal event," he said.

The New York Times

It's obviously a historic, seminal event in the country.

The New York Times

For Quang Wayne Van, the seminal event was weekly exposure to "Style With Elsa Klensch".

The New York Times

Oligomerization of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is a seminal event in Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Molecular Biology

This report describes the genesis, preparation, execution and output from this seminal event.

HPB

But Marikana was the seminal event of 2012 and post-democracy South Africa.

The Guardian

"Most look at the discovery of leptin as the seminal event," he said.

The New York Times - Science

But on July 3, 1916, a seminal event in gastronomical history took place.

The New York Times - Travel

For patients, acknowledgment of the problem from the prestigious Institute of Medicine is a seminal event.

The New York Times

The debate is being billed as a seminal event for British society and television.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "seminal event", ensure that the context clearly establishes the domain in which the event is considered seminal; avoiding ambiguity as to its sphere of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal event" to describe minor or insignificant occurrences. Reserve it for events that genuinely mark a turning point or have a profound and lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal event" functions as a noun phrase typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an occurrence of considerable historical or developmental importance. This assessment aligns with Ludwig's examples, which show diverse events described as "seminal events".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seminal event" is used to describe a highly influential occurrence with a lasting impact, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and very common, it frequently appears in news, science, and academic contexts. While synonyms like "pivotal moment" and "defining moment" exist, it's best reserved for situations warranting a more formal and analytical tone. It is important to avoid overuse in trivial contexts. As Ludwig's examples show, its application spans diverse fields, each highlighting its significant and formative role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Focuses on the turning point or critical nature of the event.

defining moment

Highlights the event's role in shaping future developments or understanding.

watershed event

Emphasizes a clear division or change resulting from the event.

landmark occurrence

Stresses the historical importance and recognition of the event.

turning point

Focuses on the event as a moment of significant change in direction.

formative experience

Highlights the event's influence on shaping personal or collective identity.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the event within a sequence of developments.

groundbreaking development

Focuses on the event's innovative and precedent-setting nature.

moment of truth

Highlights the event's role as a crucial test or revelation.

historical turning point

Emphasizes the event's place in history and its impact on future events.

FAQs

How can I use "seminal event" in a sentence?

Use "seminal event" to describe a highly influential and important event that has had a lasting impact. For example, "The invention of the printing press was a "seminal event" in the history of communication".

What are some synonyms for "seminal event"?

Alternatives include "pivotal moment", "defining moment", or "watershed event" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seminal event" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "seminal event" is more suited to formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "important event" or "key moment" may be more appropriate.

What makes an event qualify as a "seminal event"?

A "seminal event" is one that significantly influences subsequent events, ideas, or developments. It often marks a turning point and has a lasting impact on a particular field or context.