significant turning point

USAGE SUMMARY

'significant turning point' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a major event or development which causes a significant change such as in a particular situation or in someone's life. For example: The announcement of the new policy was a significant turning point in the country's history.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonetheless, it is a significant turning point.

The Economist

The experience marked a significant turning point.

The New Yorker

That was a significant turning point.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a significant turning point.

The Guardian

Fifty years is a significant turning point.

The Guardian

We have passed a highly significant turning point".

The New York Times

Yet the settlement is a significant turning point for Google.

The New York Times

However, for the broader public, 1968 was a more significant turning point.

The Guardian - Books

A significant turning point came in the 10th game of the second set.

The Guardian - Sport

The High Court's decision was a significant turning point for Indigenous land rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

In short, the summit marks a significant turning point, which only Putin could have brought about.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant turning point" to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a change, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being transformed.

Common error

Avoid using "significant turning point" for trivial changes; reserve it for events with genuinely profound and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant turning point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a crucial moment or event causing a notable change. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant turning point" is a frequently used phrase to denote a pivotal moment that brings about considerable change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting various contexts from news and media to scientific discourse. While alternatives like "pivotal moment" and "watershed moment" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to reserve this phrase for events of genuine consequence and avoid redundancy by overemphasizing its significance with words like 'very'. This phrase serves to underline the transformative nature of an event, marking a clear departure from the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Focuses on the moment being critical and decisive.

watershed moment

Emphasizes a clear division between what was and what will be.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance of the time and circumstances.

decisive shift

Focuses on the change itself being the key aspect.

game changer

Highlights the impact on future outcomes.

turning of the tide

Implies a reversal of fortune or trend.

inflection point

Similar to turning point, but can suggest a more gradual change.

critical phase

Emphasizes a stage of heightened importance.

landmark event

Focuses on the event being a historical marker.

key development

Underlines the progress or evolution.

FAQs

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

Use "significant turning point" to describe a pivotal event or moment that marks a major change. For example, "The invention of the printing press was a "significant turning point" in the history of communication".

What are some alternatives to "significant turning point"?

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

Is it redundant to say "very significant turning point"?

While grammatically correct, adding "very" to "significant turning point" can be redundant. The word "significant" already implies importance, so consider using a stronger alternative like "watershed moment" to emphasize the magnitude.

What distinguishes "significant turning point" from "minor adjustment"?

"Significant turning point" implies a substantial change with lasting effects, whereas "minor adjustment" refers to a small, incremental change that does not fundamentally alter the course of events. It's a question of scale and impact.