watershed

USAGE SUMMARY

"watershed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an event, turning point, or decision that is of great importance, and which divides a period of time into two parts. For example, "The election of the new mayor was a watershed moment for the city, initiating a period of much-needed reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although the red arrival was meant to mark a watershed moment of diary-marking and tins stuffed with pads, my 28-day count soon fell by the wayside, as my periods became nothing more than an annual event.

The Guardian

"This was one of those moments when people from all sides of politics needed to realise that a watershed had been reached".

The Guardian

Alan Pardew: basking in a personal watershed moment after turning January's position – Newcastle 10th, Palace 18th – into Palace 11th, Newcastle 12th.

The Guardian - Sport

This is one of those watershed moments when a human evil and injustice that is part of the norm suddenly becomes questioned and challenged".

The Guardian

What Farage calls his "Clacton battalion" clearly think their almost-certain victory will represent a huge watershed.

The Guardian

Tate Modern's recent Gauguin exhibition seems to have been a watershed.

The Guardian - Arts

"Following a careful investigation we concluded this programme didn't break broadcasting rules, after it aired a feature called 'bondage for beginners', before the watershed," said an Ofcom spokesman.

The Guardian

Ofcom investigated whether the item, which aired on 3 February, was unsuitable for broadcast before the 9pm watershed.

The Guardian

The research found that the 9pm watershed remained key in viewers' attitudes to violence, as did the identity of the victim.

The Guardian

James P Lynch, a former director of BJS and current chair of the department of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Maryland, hailed Comey's complaint about the "ridiculous" state of crime stats as a watershed moment.

The Guardian

The watershed was the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 when, by chance, Puskas and other Hungarian internationals were on tour with Honved, the Army club into which most of them had been drafted.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watershed" to denote a significant turning point, especially when the impact of the event divides a period into distinct eras or stages. For instance, "The new policy marked a watershed moment in the company's history."

Common error

Avoid using "watershed" for minor events or changes that lack widespread or lasting impact. Reserve it for truly transformative moments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "watershed" is as a noun, often used attributively to describe a "moment", "event", or "legislation", signifying a critical turning point. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "watershed" signifies a critical turning point or a significant division, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples. Its grammatical function is primarily as a noun, often used to describe moments or events of considerable importance. The usage of "watershed" is very common, particularly in news and media, business, and scientific contexts, denoting transformative impacts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, careful consideration of the audience is advised. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turning point

Emphasizes the moment of change, shifting focus from the division itself.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

landmark event

Stresses the historical significance and lasting impact.

pivotal moment

Focuses on the crucial and influential nature of the event.

decisive shift

Indicates a clear and impactful change in direction.

game changer

An idiom expressing a fundamental alteration of the status quo.

sea change

Implies a profound and widespread transformation.

historical divide

Emphasizes the separation of time periods or eras.

crucial phase

Highlights the importance of the period and its impact.

inflection point

Focuses on the change in direction after a period of stability.

FAQs

How can I use "watershed" in a sentence?

You can use "watershed" to describe an event that marks a significant turning point. For example, "The agreement was a watershed moment in the peace process."

What can I say instead of "watershed"?

You can use alternatives like "turning point", "critical juncture", or "landmark event" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "watershed" in informal writing?

While "watershed" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider the audience and context. In very informal settings, a simpler term like "turning point" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "watershed" and "milestone"?

"Watershed" implies a significant shift or division, while "milestone" simply denotes a significant achievement or event in a progression. A watershed changes the course, a milestone marks progress along it.