turning points in history

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning points in history" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant events or moments that have a major impact on the course of history. Example: "The signing of the Declaration of Independence is often considered one of the turning points in history that shaped the future of the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

These three turning points in history define the cur- rent American body politic.

Cornell University

"We were talking about epoch-making moments, big turning points in history," Mr. Charman recalled.

The New York Times

CERTAIN years -- 1492, 1776, 1898, 1914 are examples -- mark turning points in history.

The New York Times - Books

Whether through evolution or revolution, turning points in history have changed the way we think, move, communicate, live.

The Guardian

She visits her boyfriend's father, a professor obsessed with turning points in history, to pick up a gift that becomes, in Brickman's telling, something of a Pandora's box.

Princeton University

"Part of my goal was to give someone the chance to learn about one of these key turning points in history," Stark said.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A turning point in history.

University of California, Berkeley

"What a turning point in history," Ms. Shapiro said.

The New York Times

"He thought the murder of President Kennedy was a turning point in history," his wife said.

The New York Times

"My analysis was that we really are at a turning point in history," he told me in Baghdad.

The New Yorker

Like the hit movie Lincoln, the movie Emperor dramatizes a turning point in history replete with leadership lessons.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "turning points in history", provide specific examples to illustrate their impact. This helps readers understand the magnitude and consequences of these moments.

Common error

Avoid stating that an event is a "turning point in history" without providing sufficient evidence or context. Clearly articulate the specific ways in which the event altered the course of history.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning points in history" functions as a noun phrase that identifies significant moments of change. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in diverse contexts, from news articles to academic discussions, underscoring its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning points in history" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe significant moments of change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears predominantly in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's essential to provide concrete examples when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "historical milestones" or "pivotal moments in history" can offer nuanced expressions while conveying the same core meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing its impact and always provide supporting evidence for your claims. This phrase is a valuable tool for analyzing and discussing the forces that shape our world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical turning points

This alternative simply reverses the order of the words, keeping the meaning almost identical. It highlights the 'turning points' as being specifically 'historical'.

critical junctures in history

This phrase uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "turning points" with "critical junctures", which also conveys a sense of importance and decisive change.

pivotal moments in history

Replaces "turning points" with "pivotal moments", emphasizing the significance and influence of particular instances.

watershed moments in history

This alternative uses the term "watershed moments" to describe significant events that mark a clear division or change in direction.

decisive moments in history

Uses "decisive moments", highlighting moments that determine future outcomes or directions.

transformative periods in history

Shifts the focus from specific points to broader periods characterized by significant change and transformation.

historical milestones

Replaces "turning points" with "milestones", highlighting significant achievements or events that mark progress in history.

critical episodes in history

This alternative uses "critical episodes" to emphasize specific events of great importance or consequence.

inflection points in history

Substitutes "turning points" with "inflection points", a term often used to describe moments when a trend or trajectory changes significantly.

seminal events in history

This phrase uses "seminal events" to denote events that have a lasting impact and influence future developments.

FAQs

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

To use "turning points in history" effectively, provide specific examples and explain why they are considered significant. For instance, "The invention of the printing press is considered one of the major "turning points in history" because it revolutionized the spread of information".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "turning points in history"?

You can use alternatives like "historical milestones", "critical junctures in history", or "pivotal moments in history" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "turning points in historical history"?

Yes, saying "turning points in historical history" is redundant. The word "history" already implies that the points are historical, so using "historical" before "history" is unnecessary.

What makes an event qualify as one of the "turning points in history"?

An event qualifies as one of the "turning points in history" if it significantly alters the course of events, leading to lasting changes in society, politics, culture, or technology. The consequences of the event must be far-reaching and transformative.