a critical position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a viewpoint or stance that is essential or significant in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the debate about climate change, she took a critical position, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a critical position," Carter said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We believe we hold a critical position in that reform movement," he says.

The New York Times

A dysfunctional team, or even one naysayer in a critical position, can stall your investment.

Harvard Business Review

Or that a customer's incompetent relative has taken over a critical position?

The New York Times

It's not just inadvisable; it's dangerous to put a person with a "kick down" personality in such a critical position.

The New York Times

For Jets Coach Al Groh, this a nightmare: uncertainty at a critical position pervading preparations for a game against Denver.

The New York Times - Sports

Number four is a critical position and you need to be scoring more runs than I have been".

The Guardian - Sport

First, fund managers occupy a critical position in the chain linking savers, pensioners and future pensioners to public companies.

The Guardian - Business

But for Mr. Trump a Sessions nomination to a critical position at the Justice or Defense Department still presents risks.

The New York Times

In the clubby world of Senate policy-making, a single senator in a critical position can effectively bring legislation to a standstill.

The New York Times

I've given my views and because head coach is such a critical position, I think it should be announced 18 months before".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical position" to express the importance of a viewpoint or stance in a debate or analysis. Ensure the context clearly illustrates why the position is so vital.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical position" redundantly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "pivotal role" or "crucial juncture" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical position" functions as a noun phrase, where "critical" modifies "position". It typically describes a role, location, or viewpoint that is essential, significant, or vulnerable. Ludwig confirms its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical position" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance, necessity, or strategic vulnerability of a role, location, or viewpoint. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is quite common, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Consider synonyms like "pivotal role" or "crucial juncture" to vary your writing. Its broad applicability and neutral register make it suitable for diverse audiences. Being mindful of these nuances will improve the impact and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal role

Changes the focus from a static state to an active function or part within a process.

a crucial juncture

Shifts the emphasis to a specific point in time where a decision or event is paramount.

a strategic advantage

Implies a calculated and beneficial placement or situation.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

an influential post

Focuses on the capacity to affect or shape events through authority or sway.

a sensitive spot

Emphasizes vulnerability and susceptibility to harm or influence.

a commanding station

Denotes a position of control and authority over others.

a central function

Highlights the core activity or task that is essential to a system or organization.

a vital place

Emphasizes the necessity and indispensability of the location or role.

an important juncture

This emphasizes the importance of a specific moment in time, rather than a continuing role or status.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical position" to emphasize the importance of a role, location, or viewpoint. For example: "The quarterback holds "a critical position" on the team", or "China is in "a critical position" along the migration routes".

What are some alternatives to "a critical position"?

Some alternatives include "a pivotal role", "a crucial juncture", or "a strategic advantage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "critical position" or "important position"?

"Critical position" implies a higher level of necessity and potential impact than "important position". Use "critical" when the role or viewpoint is absolutely essential. "Important" is suitable when something is significant but not necessarily indispensable.

Can "a critical position" refer to a physical location?

Yes, "a critical position" can refer to a physical location, particularly when that location is strategically important. For instance, "The town occupied "a critical position" for controlling access to the valley".