turning points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'turning points' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to any moment or event in a story or narrative that alters its course or serves as a climax. For example, "The battle at Gettysburg was a key turning point in the Civil War."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WE yearn for turning points.

The New York Times

All points are turning points.

The New Yorker

7. Create turning points.

Harvard Business Review

Any other turning points?

The Guardian - Books

There were other turning points.

The Washington Post

History's turning points come in many guises.

Independent

"Turning points!" the Rev. Paul Wilson shouted.

The Washington Post

Change is created by turning points.

The Guardian

Artists, like travelers, reach turning points.

The New York Times - Arts

Did you have any turning points at Cornell?

Cornell University

However, turning points are noted for the different surfactant systems.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turning points" to highlight key moments of change or decision in a narrative or analysis. This helps to emphasize the significance of specific events and their impact on the overall outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "turning points" as a vague descriptor. Instead, clearly articulate what makes each point a turning point and how it influenced subsequent events to provide depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning points" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely used phrase. It identifies specific instances where a significant shift or change occurs. For instance, in the examples, it highlights critical moments in history, career paths, or even personal lives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning points" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes significant moments of change or decision. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and broad applicability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, emphasizing its versatility. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about what makes each point a "turning point" to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "critical junctures" or "decisive moments" can offer nuanced variations, but "turning points" remains a reliable and effective choice for highlighting transformative events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical junctures

Emphasizes the critical nature of these moments, implying decisive importance.

decisive moments

Highlights the element of decision-making and the impact of those decisions.

watershed moments

Indicates a significant shift or change in direction, similar to a turning point.

pivotal instances

Focuses on the idea of a pivot, suggesting a change in direction or strategy.

inflection points

Highlights the change in curvature or direction, often used in a more technical context.

tipping points

Suggests a point where a small change leads to a significant effect or outcome.

game changers

Focuses on events that fundamentally alter the dynamics of a situation.

defining moments

Stresses the lasting impact and the way these moments shape future events.

crossroads

Highlights the element of choice and the need to make a decision that will impact the future.

milestones

Indicates significant progress or achievements in a particular process or journey.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "turning points" in a sentence?

Use "turning points" to emphasize pivotal moments that significantly alter the course of events. For example, "The discovery of penicillin marked one of the major "turning points" in medical history".

What are some alternatives to "turning points"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "critical junctures", "decisive moments", or "watershed moments" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "turning points" in formal writing?

Yes, "turning points" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical events, strategic decisions, or significant changes in various fields. Its usage is broad and widely accepted in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between ""turning points"" and "milestones"?

"Turning points" typically refer to moments that cause a significant shift or change in direction, whereas "milestones" indicate significant achievements or progress along a path. "Turning points" change the course, while milestones mark progress.