a critical condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or life-threatening medical state of a patient or a situation that requires immediate attention. Example: "The patient was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition after the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One teenager is in a critical condition.

Independent

The latter is in a critical condition.

The New York Times

"The centre is in a critical condition.

The Guardian

She was left in a critical condition.

The Guardian

Some were in a critical condition.

The Guardian

One is in a critical condition.

The Guardian

One of the wounded was in a critical condition.

The Guardian

The motorcyclist is understood to be in a critical condition.

The Guardian

He was in a critical condition on Monday.

The Guardian

Orlowski said all three were in a critical condition.

The Guardian

More than 40 remained in a critical condition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical condition" to describe systems, processes, or infrastructure facing imminent failure. Clearly state the potential consequences to emphasize the urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical condition" to describe minor issues or problems. Reserve it for situations genuinely posing immediate and severe risks. Overusing this term can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical condition" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it characterizes a state or situation as being extremely serious or unstable, often implying imminent danger or potential failure. This is supported by examples from news reports and other sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

7%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a critical condition" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a severe or life-threatening state. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media, as well as other contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for truly serious situations to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives include phrases like "a life-threatening state" or "a grave situation". Remember to be specific when using this phrase to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a life-threatening state

Highlights the potential for fatality, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

a grave situation

Focuses on the seriousness and potential for negative outcomes of the condition.

a precarious state

Emphasizes the instability and uncertainty of the condition.

a serious health crisis

Specifically refers to health and emphasizes the urgent nature.

an emergency situation

Highlights the need for immediate action and intervention.

a severe medical emergency

More specific, explicitly stating the situation is medical in nature and an emergency.

a dangerous predicament

Focuses on the inherent risks and potential for harm.

a perilous situation

Stresses the exposure to risk and potential for disaster.

an unstable condition

Highlights the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of the state.

a touch-and-go situation

Informal idiom indicating an uncertain outcome and the need for careful management.

FAQs

How is "a critical condition" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a critical condition" is generally used to describe someone or something that is in a life-threatening state or facing imminent failure. For example, "The patient was rushed to the hospital in "a critical condition" after the accident."

What are some alternatives to "a critical condition"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a life-threatening state", "a grave situation", or "a precarious state".

Is it appropriate to use "a critical condition" to describe a non-medical situation?

While commonly used in medical contexts, "a critical condition" can also describe non-medical situations facing imminent failure or collapse, like infrastructure or systems. However, ensure the severity warrants such a description.

What level of formality is associated with the phrase "a critical condition"?

The phrase "a critical condition" is generally considered neutral and is appropriate for news reports, formal reports, and professional communications. More informal contexts might benefit from less dramatic phrasing.