a critical move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important or decisive action taken in a particular situation. Example: "The team's decision to pivot their strategy was a critical move that ultimately led to their success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That was a critical move toward showing up as an inspirational leader.

Harvard Business Review

Obtaining Cabrera was not as splashy an acquisition as the St . Louis Cardinals getting Matt Holliday, but it was a critical move by the Twins.

The New York Times

It is a critical move in a sport where blows to the head are always a risk with every 200-mile-per-hour wallop into a wall.

The New York Times - Sports

For a team with the oldest backcourt in the NBA and only Kobe Bryant and Robert Sacre locked down through 2015-16, this was a critical move.

The Washington Post

The company will allow Twitter to sell its expertise in mobile advertising to other parties and its purchase was seen by analysts as a critical move in growing revenues.

The Guardian - Tech

President Obama's climate action plan is a necessary next step to meet an immediate, worrying shortfall in action to deal with climate change and can be a critical move forward on the path towards a new, global climate agreement.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

One senior Pentagon official said, "Iran is a critical moving piece in this puzzle".

The New York Times

The results show that the initial equilibrium configuration of the sandwich plate becomes unstable at a critical moving speed.

Composite Structures

As Executive Director of the World Jewish Congress, he exposed Kurt Waldheim's Nazi past and was a critical moving force behind the successful efforts to obtain a measure of justice for victims of Nazism from Swiss banks and European governments and insurance companies.

The New York Times

In a brilliant critical move Kermode argues that it is the very pliability of the classic, its unfixed quality, that is its essence.

The Guardian - Books

A few critical moves would suffice.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical move", ensure that the context clearly indicates the importance and potential impact of the action being described. The phrase is most effective when the outcome hinges on this specific action.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical move" for actions that are routine or have minimal impact. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when describing truly decisive actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical move" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant action or decision. It highlights the importance of the move in achieving a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the action being described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical move" is a commonly used phrase to describe an action or decision of significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase. While it maintains a neutral register, it's essential to ensure the action genuinely warrants the description to avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives like "a crucial step" or "a pivotal action" can be used to add nuance. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial step

Emphasizes the importance of the action as a necessary stage in a process.

a pivotal action

Highlights the turning-point nature of the action.

an essential measure

Stresses the necessity and importance of the action taken.

a key decision

Focuses on the choice made and its significance.

an important maneuver

Suggests a strategic and significant action.

a strategic decision

Highlights the strategic nature of the move, focusing on long-term goals.

a vital undertaking

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the action taken, often involving a significant project.

a decisive intervention

Highlights the conclusive impact and the act of stepping in to make a change.

a game-changing act

Indicates an action that significantly alters the outcome or situation.

a fundamental shift

Focuses on a significant change in approach or perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "a critical move" to describe a decision or action that is essential for success or significantly alters the outcome. For example, "The CEO's decision to invest in new technology was "a critical move" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "a critical move"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial step", "a pivotal action", or "an essential measure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "critical move" or "crucial move"?

Both "critical move" and "crucial move" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Critical" often implies a turning point or potential for failure, while "crucial" emphasizes necessity. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a critical move" and "an important decision"?

"A critical move" often implies a higher level of risk or potential impact compared to "an important decision". A critical move is likely to determine success or failure, while an important decision may have significant but not necessarily decisive consequences.