a critical game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game that is of significant importance or has crucial implications, often in a competitive context. Example: "The championship match is a critical game for both teams, as it will determine who advances to the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

In a critical game between struggling N.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

A critical game was on the line.

The Guardian - Sport

A. J. Burnett won a critical game in last year's World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

The Patriots abhor looking back, especially with such a critical game at hand.

The New York Times - Sports

The Patriots now face a critical game against the Jets next week.

The New York Times - Sports

They were too slow and too sluggish, especially for a critical Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Playing with a renewed attitude, she made a critical, game-winning save in a quarterfinal match against Brazil.

The New York Times

"Directed Energy Weapons are a critical game-changing technology for the Navy-Marine Corps Team," said James Thomsen, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

Forbes

The fact that coalition ministers talk a more critical game about capitalism than Labour ever managed helps credibility too.

The Guardian - Opinion

With Hyun-Jin Ryu sidelined by shoulder inflammation, the Dodgers pushed back Dan Haren's start from Sunday to Monday for the opening game of a critical three-game series against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.

Los Angeles Times

But that critical game was an anomaly for Monfils, who served masterfully throughout the match.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical game" to emphasize the high stakes and potential consequences of a particular match or competition. It is suitable for contexts where the outcome has a significant impact on future events.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a paragraph with "critical" when describing different aspects of a game. Vary your sentence structure and word choice by using synonyms like "pivotal", "essential", or "decisive" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical game" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "critical" modifies the noun "game". It identifies a specific instance of a game that is of great importance. Ludwig examples showcase its frequent usage in sports reporting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a critical game" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, primarily found in news and media contexts to describe a game of high importance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. Related phrases such as "a crucial match" or "a pivotal game" offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing "critical" in consecutive sentences and consider varying your vocabulary. This phrase's purpose is to emphasize importance, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial match

Replaces "game" with "match", maintaining the sense of importance but often used in sports like soccer or tennis.

a pivotal game

Uses "pivotal" instead of "critical", stressing the turning-point nature of the game.

a decisive game

Focuses on the game's role in determining an outcome or advancement.

a key game

Replaces "critical" with "key", indicating the game's importance to a larger goal.

an essential game

Emphasizes the fundamental need to succeed in the game.

an important contest

Substitutes "critical" with "important" and "game" with "contest", softening the intensity while retaining the significance.

a must-win game

Emphasizes the necessity of winning, highlighting the high stakes.

a make-or-break game

Implies that the outcome of the game will significantly impact future prospects.

a high-stakes game

Highlights the significant consequences or rewards associated with the game.

a season-defining game

Suggests the game will significantly influence the team's overall performance for the season.

FAQs

How to use "a critical game" in a sentence?

You can use "a critical game" to describe a match that is crucial for determining the outcome of a season, tournament, or other competition. For example: "Tomorrow's match is "a critical game" for both teams."

What can I say instead of "a critical game"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial match", "a pivotal game", or "a key game" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "a critical game", or are there situations where it's better to use a simpler phrase?

While "a critical game" effectively conveys importance, simpler phrases like "an important game" may suffice if the context already makes the game's significance clear. Using more direct alternatives such as "a must-win game" may make the intent explicit.

What makes a game "critical"?

A game is considered "critical" when its outcome significantly affects the standings, chances of advancement, or overall success of the team or individual involved. It often implies that failing to win the game would have severe consequences. Consider factors like the proximity to playoffs, the opponent's strength, and the remaining games in the season.