Critical juncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Critical juncture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a crucial point in a process or situation where significant change or decision-making occurs. Example: "The country faced a critical juncture in its history, requiring leaders to make pivotal decisions about its future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A critical juncture".

The New Yorker

"This is a critical juncture".

The New York Times

leader at this critical juncture.

The New York Times

Explained: Lilly at critical juncture.

The New Yorker

China stands at a critical juncture.

The New York Times

And he arrives at a critical juncture.

The New York Times - Sports

The letter comes at a critical juncture.

The Guardian

"Europe is at a very critical juncture.

The Guardian

The war is at a critical juncture.

The New York Times

"We are at a very critical juncture," he said.

The New York Times

The top adviser's remarks came at a critical juncture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical juncture" when emphasizing a significant decision point that has long-term implications. For example, "The company's decision to invest in renewable energy came at a "critical juncture" for environmental policy".

Common error

Avoid using "critical juncture" for minor situations. Ensure the situation truly represents a turning point with significant consequences. Instead, consider alternatives like "important phase" or "key moment" for less momentous occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical juncture" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant and decisive point in time or a situation. As indicated by Ludwig, it highlights moments when important decisions or changes are imminent, influencing future outcomes. The examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, from political events to business strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical juncture" is a frequently used phrase that signifies a crucial point requiring decisive action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various domains, particularly news, business, and science. While alternatives like "pivotal moment" or "turning point" exist, "critical juncture" maintains a formal tone suitable for serious discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely warrants such emphasis, avoiding its use in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal moment

Replaces 'critical' with 'pivotal', emphasizing the turning point nature of the situation.

turning point

Offers a more common and readily understood expression for a moment of significant change.

decisive moment

Emphasizes the importance of a decision being made at this time.

crucial stage

Highlights the importance of the phase or step the situation is in.

important phase

Substitutes both words for simple alternatives keeping a very similar meaning.

key moment

Replaces "critical" with "key", highlighting the importance of the time.

strategic inflection point

Focuses on a point where a strategic change of direction is needed.

watershed moment

Suggests a significant event after which things will be different.

moment of truth

Implies a moment where the real character or outcome is revealed.

crossroads

Uses a metaphor to describe a point where a choice must be made.

FAQs

How can I use "critical juncture" in a sentence?

You can use "critical juncture" to describe a time of significant change or decision. For example: "The negotiations reached a "critical juncture", requiring immediate action from both parties."

What are some alternatives to "critical juncture"?

You can use alternatives like "pivotal moment", "turning point", or "decisive moment" depending on the specific context.

Is "critical juncture" formal or informal?

"Critical juncture" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. It is less common in informal conversations.

What makes a moment a "critical juncture"?

A "critical juncture" is defined by its importance and the potential for significant consequences or changes. It's a point where decisions made will have a lasting impact.