a critical level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important or essential threshold in various contexts, such as science, health, or performance metrics. Example: "The researchers found that the pollution levels had reached a critical level, necessitating immediate action to protect public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2013 the digital divide between teachers will reach a critical level.

The Guardian

It turns out that there is a critical level of manoeuvrability.

MIT Technology Review

The high water mark is a critical level for the industry.

The New York Times

If driver inattention approaches a critical level, an alert is issued and a rest stop encouraged.

The New York Times

In Manila, community volunteers monitor river levels, alerting their neighbours and communities downstream when the water reaches a critical level.

The Guardian

It is changing – suppliers are becoming more aware of it – but the change is not at a critical level".

The Guardian

The empire-makers of 2002 weakened America's covert empire because, at a critical level, they didn't understand how it worked.

The New Yorker

After the column-average solid velocity drops below a critical level, the dispersion mode is operable.

Chemical Engineering Science

Neuronal firing and early network oscillations were induced after a critical level of light intensity was reached.

Nature

This circuit releases dopamine when stimulated, which, if it reaches a critical level, conveys a sense of pleasure.

The New York Times

At some point, presumably, the rate will dip below a critical level and results could go haywire.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical level" to indicate a threshold that, when reached, necessitates a response or signifies a significant change. Ensure that the context clearly defines what happens when this level is attained.

Common error

Don't use "a critical level" without specifying what aspect is being measured and why that particular level is important. Providing context prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical level" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific point or threshold that signifies importance or urgency, as evidenced by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a critical level" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a crucial threshold or point of significance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. It's important to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "a crucial threshold" or "an essential point" can be used depending on the nuance desired. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial threshold

Replaces "critical" with "crucial", emphasizing decisiveness.

an essential point

Substitutes "level" with "point", focusing on a specific stage or moment.

a vital stage

Replaces both words to highlight the life-or-death importance.

a key juncture

Focuses on the importance of timing and connection.

a decisive moment

Emphasizes the impact of the moment on subsequent events.

a breaking point

Highlights the level where something collapses or changes drastically.

a significant degree

Replaces "critical" with "significant", focusing on the magnitude.

a make-or-break situation

This idiom highlights the urgency of the situation.

an important benchmark

Shifts the focus to measurement and standard.

a tipping point

Emphasizes that small changes can result in a large effect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a critical level" is used to describe a point at which a condition, measurement, or state becomes significantly important or requires immediate attention. For instance, "The water level reached "a critical level", prompting evacuations".

What are some alternatives to "a critical level"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial threshold", "an essential point", or "a vital stage" depending on the context.

When should I use "a critical level" instead of "a significant level"?

"A critical level" implies a point of immediate concern or necessity, while "a significant level" simply indicates importance. Use "a critical level" when the situation demands urgent action or signifies a turning point.

Is it better to say "reaches a critical level" or "reaches criticality"?

The phrase "reaches a critical level" is more general and can apply to various contexts. "Reaches criticality" is more specific, often used in nuclear physics to describe when a nuclear reaction becomes self-sustaining. Therefore, choose based on the specific context.