Meaning & use
a pivotal moment
Last updated
Meaning
phrasecountable
A very important point in time that changes the course of events.
Grammar: Countable phrase; can be used with 'a' and has a plural form 'pivotal moments'.
Patterns
- a pivotal moment in something
- a pivotal moment for someone
The invention of the internet was a pivotal moment in modern history.
Her decision to study abroad was a pivotal moment in her life.
The election marked a pivotal moment for the country.
Word forms
| plural | pivotal moments |
|---|
Common combinations
- a pivotal moment in history
- The signing of the treaty was a pivotal moment in history.
- a pivotal moment for the company
- The launch of the new product was a pivotal moment for the company.
- a pivotal moment in someone's life
- Graduating from university was a pivotal moment in his life.
Synonyms and how they differ
- turning point
- A turning point is a moment when a decisive change occurs; it is similar but can be less formal than 'pivotal moment'.
- critical moment
- A critical moment is a time of great danger or difficulty; 'pivotal moment' emphasizes importance and change, not necessarily danger.
- milestone
- A milestone is an important event or stage in a process; it may not involve a sudden change like a pivotal moment.
Word family
- pivotal adjective
- Of crucial importance; central.
Commonly confused: a pivotal moment or pivot?
a pivotal moment vs pivot
A pivot is a central point or axis; 'pivotal' is the adjective meaning crucial. 'Pivotal moment' is a fixed phrase.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition is 'in' for a field or area: 'a pivotal moment in science'. The other prepositions do not fit this context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a pivotal moment”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.